COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Computer Vision Syndrome are a complex of eye or vision problems which are experienced during and related to computer use.”

Prolong staring at a computer monitor is the major working modalities in most offices in our modern society.
An average bank cashier for example  spend approximately 8 hours per day (40 hours/week) staring at a computer screen.

Studies in the U.S have shown that 88% of total number of people using computer suffer from computer eyestrain amounting to 4-19% decrease in work productivity.

An Eye test carried out in May 2016 involving 252 Staff members in a commission with approximately 8hrs/day computer use, shows that 64% of the total number of people screened suffers from errors of refraction due to Computer Vision Syndrome.

THE CAUSE
Due to the peculiarity of characters on computer Screen (Pixels) as opposed to printed materials with well defined edges, when using a computer, our eyes tend to involuntarily move to a visual point known as Resting Point of Accommodation (RPA), and then strain to regain focus on the screen. This continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles creates fatigue and the burning, tired-eyes feeling that is so common after long hours at the computer.

Humans blink approximately 22 times per minute normally, however during computer use humans blink only 4 to 6 times per minute. This lower blinking rates cause eye moisture to evaporate thus dry eyes which in turn causes people to arch their foreheads in an effort see better thereby resulting to headaches.

Also prolong computer use results to assumption of awkward, unnatural postures, thus causing sore backs, stiff necks & hurting shoulders.

SYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

There are several symptoms of CVS; the commonest include

• Eyestrain (sore or tired eyes)
• Tension Headache
• Slowness in focusing on distant object
• Eye irritation presenting as burning, dryness, redness or excess tearing
• Neck, back & shoulder pain
   
  
  
  
  HOW TO MINIMIZE CVS

• Ensure proper positioning of computer screens and adopt a proper sitting position by ensuring your seat is comfortable. A comfortable chair with support for the neck and back will help prevent neck and shoulder strain associated with CVS
• Use proper lighting: keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum: Use Window blinds and get a glare screen: Position the computer screen to reduce reflections from windows or overhead lights: Reduce the amount of Light in the Room: Have lamp focus on the Desk and not on you or the computer screen
• Adjust the brightness of your computer screen to match the brightness of the environment. Keep contrast & brightness at moderate levels
• Blink more often: Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Purposely blink rapidly to re-wets your eyes which will avoid dryness and irritation. 
• Take frequent breaks: adopt the 20/20/20 protocol– every 20 minutes look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And Every 50 minutes on a computer, change tasks for 10 minutes.
• Exercise even when sitting: Do some Stretching and joint rotating exercises during computer use
• Keep distance from computer screen at 20-26 inch
• Reduce screen glare by using anti-glare and Keep screen clean 
• Ensure Regular computer eye examination: at least twice a year
• Wear recommended computer glasses: If necessary, wear the appropriate corrective lenses while at the computer.
• If symptoms becomes persistent or severe, consult your doctor for proper evaluation