COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS)
Prof Dr M. R. Jain MS, FICS, FACLP, FAMS
Web: MRJ-JAINEYE.COM

With the increasing use of computers, the Computer Vision Syndrome is becoming a great matter of concern, even in very young patients.
For Computer use, one needs,
1. Perfect Vision at 20 to 22 inches distance
2. Avoidance of Computer Glare
3. Prevention of Dryness of Eyes.
The main symptoms of use of computer are: headache, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, depression, dry irritated eyes with foreign body sensations & difficulty in refocusing of eyes.
Remedy:
Perfect Vision: Eyes must have perfect normal vision for distance & near both with or without glasses. An astigmatic error of even 0.25 or extremely minor hypermetropia can cause all these problems.
For persons above 38-40 years, there must be separate power for computer distance. If the patient distance vision is also defective, than the patient must ideally wear Conventional Progressive (Multifocal) lenses or Occupational progressive lenses that correct near, intermediate, and, up to a point, distance vision. For those persons, who are involved in intensive computer work, they must use D- Bifocal lenses, having upper segment for computer work, corrected for 20 inches distance and lower near segment for reading, corrected for 16 inches distance.
Glare. Computer Monitor must be placed in such a position to minimize glare. Spectacles must be fitted with high quality anti glare (A. R) lenses, preferably resin lenses.
Dryness of Eyes: Dryness of eyes has become a major problem and gives nasty symptoms of irritation, foreign body sensation, blurring of vision, photophobia and frequent desire to rub the eyes.
Remedy: 1.The monitor must be kept 3-5 inches lower to the level of eyes to avoid dryness of eyes.
2. Generally a person blinks 15- 17 times in a minute. During computer use blinking can reduce to 5-7 times a minute. Hence, one must form a habit to blink voluntarily or keep the eyes closed for some time.
3 Air conditioners also cause dryness.
4 Don’t sit directly under the fan or in front of a window where you get a breeze.
5 Keep preservative free artificial drops handy which can be instilled 3-4 times a day. These drops are Vel Drops, Refresh Tear Drops, Lubrex drops, Ocumoist or Moisol –Z, Eyemist etc. But it is ideal to consult an Ophthalmologist.