Computer Vision Syndrome Specialist
-
- Tweet
Stockdale Optometry
Optometry & Licensed Optometrists located in Bakersfield, CA
If you’re like many people with jobs that require looking at a computer for hours on end, you may be used to symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and neck pain. However, you don’t have to accept computer vision syndrome as a part of everyday life. That’s right, it’s a real, treatable condition, and the team at Stockdale Optometry in Bakersfield, California, can help. To learn more about how lifestyle changes, vision therapy, and specialized lenses can correct computer vision syndrome, schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
Computer Vision Syndrome
What is computer vision syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is a group of symptoms that commonly result from extended, uninterrupted use of digital screens, including computers, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones. These symptoms include:
- Eye strain
- Tearing, burning eyes
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Difficulty focusing
- Double vision
- Dizziness
- Neck and shoulder pain
Computer vision syndrome is usually temporary. You may find these symptoms get worse during a period of screen use but go away once you stop. However, if you regularly spend lots of time looking at screens, the problems may continue to linger after a session.
If you have computer vision syndrome, that doesn’t mean you’ve caused lasting damage to your eyes. However, the symptoms do mean you need to make adjustments to your screen use habits. If you don’t, you’re likely to continue experiencing the same symptoms whenever you use a computer, and they may become more severe over time.
What causes computer vision syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome, like carpal tunnel syndrome, is a common problem among adults who work in offices. It can also affect children who spend lots of time using tablets or computers, especially if they have issues with their posture or use these devices under improper lighting.
Like carpal tunnel syndrome, which results from repetitive hand motions, computer vision syndrome results from your eyes following the same path over and over again. When you use a computer, your eyes perform repetitive movements, and the symptoms of computer vision syndrome get worse the more you repeat these movements.
Your eyes work harder when you read a digital screen than if you were reading a book or newspaper. Compared with print, digital text tends to be less clear, and offers less contrast with the background. Also, when you read on a screen, you have to contend with a glare.
Viewing angle is another contributor to computer vision syndrome. There’s a good chance the positioning of your computer monitor, desk, and office chair is different from how you’d naturally read a book or newspaper.
How is computer vision syndrome treated?
If you have computer vision syndrome, you can usually correct it through a few simple changes to your habits. Your optometric physician at Stockdale Optometry provides guidance on good computer use habits. It’s important to regularly rest your eyes, remember to blink, and adjust the position and settings of your monitor so you can easily read.
Your optometrist may recommend a vision test. Computer vision syndrome tends to be worse if you don’t have the right corrective lens prescription. They can also recommend specialty lenses for working on the computer, which are designed to reduce eye strain.
Computer vision syndrome doesn’t have to be part of your job. Schedule an appointment at Stockdale Optometry online or over the phone.
