09 May What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and How to Stop It
Computer visions syndrome (CVS) is a condition that an estimated 90% of people who spend 3+ hours on computer daily are suffering. It results from concentrating on a computer monitor for extended lengths of time without interruption and the symptoms are dry, irritated and straned eyes, headaches, double vision, difficulty refocusing the eyes and, in extreme cases, nausea, dizziness and a general not well feeling.
The symptoms are often caused from using a computer daily, reading on a monitor in low light settings, exposure only to the light reflected by that device or air moving around (such as from a vent or air conditionning unit).
From the research initiated by Wade Shepard, writer and contributor at several publications such Forbes, Citiscope, The Diplomat și South China Morning Post, it result that focusing and constantly scrolling images creates an eye imbalance. He does not have problems watching movies on a screen, just reading or hours on end. And the more the images are scrolling, the more serious the effects are. Also, lighting is an important factor because the syndrome has been manifested in rooms with pale light, electric bulbs or insufficient windows.
Tips to decrease Computer Vision Syndrome
1. Decrease the device brightness on the computer screen
It may be a good idea to reduce the brightness of the monitor or position yourself at an angle where the light doesn not reflect towards your eyes. During work, find a place where the light comes from the back and replace the bulbs with those of lower wattage.
2. Use eye drops
Eye drops are used to alleviate dry eyes as can be caused from long duration computer usage. When using the computers, we tend to blink below a normal rate and many problems of CVS are related to this.
3. Look away from the monitor periodically
Do you know the 20/20 rule? It suppose to look away from computer monitor every 20 minutes into a distance at least 6 meters (20 feet) from you for 20 seconds.
4. Blink intentionally
Blinking intentionally can help keep moist and reduce eye strain.
5. Close eyes periodically
Closing your eyes for a few moments can help to relax them and lower the symptoms of CVS.
6. Massage eyebrows
There are many acupressure point in the eyebrows and massaging them can help to relax the muscles in the face and eyes.
7. Try to type without looking at the monitor
It is the best way to subvert CVS. When typing, try to look away from the monitor as much as possible, givin the eyes a break of focusing.
8. Position the monitor screen right
A computer screen should be positioned 15 to 20 degrees below eye level and roughly 20 to 28 centimeters from the face.
9. Avoid low lit rooms
Wade Shepard found that low lighting – natural or artificial – aggravates or even causes my experience of CVS. So, try to work in well lit rooms.
10. Print out long documents that you want to read
Perhaps it is not the most resource wise trategy but printing out long documents and reading them in print is one of the best ways to curb continous scrolling and reading on a computer screen.
Conclusions
Wade Shepard initiated this research because he spend most of the time reading on computer. It was his job. So he needed a remedy-strategy to help him. The computer is , for many of us, not only our work devices but our entertainment and communicate mediums.
