By: Suneet Sihota, Optometrist and Shirley Blanc, Optometrist

It’s the end of a long work day, and you lean back in your chair rubbing your tired and strained eyes, while squinting at the clock across the room, sound all too familiar? Well you may have Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).  CVS is a very common condition that results from attempting to sustain focus at a computer terminal for a prolonged period of time.  Symptoms of this condition can vary from mild fatigue and eye strain, to intense head/neck pain, dry eyes, and blurred vision.  Although reducing the number of hours spent in front of a computer is not a realistic solution for most people, there are many modifications that can be made to the workspace to help alleviate the symptoms of CVS.  

The first step is to address your symptoms with your Optometrist, who will perform a full eye examination involving a thorough vision and eye health evaluation.  In many cases, particularly for those with even a low amount of astigmatism or farsightedness, a prescription for computer glasses can reduce the stress of sustaining focus at the computer monitor, even if glasses are normally not required outside of the office.  Anti-reflection lens coating in the glasses increases visual comfort by reducing reflected light and glare from the computer monitor and overhead lights, a common source of headaches and eyestrain in the workplace. 

For those experiencing a decreased focusing ability at close distances, which typically starts in the early to mid 40’s, a computer multifocal is an option to consider.  A computer multifocal incorporates an intermediate prescription for the computer distance at the top of the lens, and gradually blends to a stronger reading prescription at the bottom of the lens, allowing wider, near and intermediate viewing zones than a traditional progressive multifocal (invisible bifocal).  There is no distance zone for walking or driving with this lens, so the glasses are catered to those who sit at a workstation for most of the day. 

Visual ergonomics can be applied to the workstation to reduce symptoms of CVS.   Ensure that the computer monitor is positioned slightly lower than eye level.  If the monitor is placed too high, the result is a sustained slight upward gaze, making it difficult to completely close the eyelids with each blink.  With the eyes positioned slightly downwards this will increase the likelihood of a complete blink, allowing for our eyelids to sweep a new layer of moisturizing tears across the ocular surface.  Overhead lighting, lamps, and sunlight from nearby windows can cause uncomfortable glare reflected off of the computer screen.  Try covering windows with blinds If possible, or repositioning your monitor or the lighting source to reduce glare.  You can also purchase an anti-glare screen to place over the monitor to eliminate reflections.  Proper back support and a quality computer chair positioned at the correct height can also make a large difference to the comfort of your neck and back after a long day. 

Many people experience symptoms of redness, stinging, burning and dryness of the eyes with computer use.   When concentrating at a computer screen, the rate at which we blink typically will decrease, allowing time for our natural tears to evaporate from the front surface of the eye.  Overtime, this will cause symptoms of dryness.  Artificial tears are readily available over the counter to supplement our natural tears, and your optometrist can recommend a product that would be right for your eyes.  Nearby vents and fans should be repositioned to ensure your workspace remains draft-free, and proper humidity levels should be maintained, particularly during the colder months when the air is usually drier.  Keeping hydrated with lots of water throughout the day will also improve the comfort of your eyes.

Lastly, just take a break!  Give yourself a few minutes each hour to stretch, grab a drink of water, and allow your eyes to focus on something at the other end of the room.  With a few strategic changes to your work environment, you can dramatically reduce the effect of Computer Vision Syndrome. 

To book an apointment with a Medcan Optometrist please contact the Medcan bookings team at (416) 350-5900 or email to bookings@medcan.com.