Be it a mobile phone or computer, staring at a screen has become a part and parcel of the current world. Right from kids to office-goers, almost every one of us spends hours at a stretch on a digital screen, which ultimately wreaks havoc in your life. Yes, people who spend more than 2 hours a day either playing a game on mobiles, working on a PC or surfing on a laptop are at a high risk of suffering from vision problems. If you are the one who has a desk job and is prone to face the computer screen for maximum time in a day, then this article is just for YOU!
What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?
Computer vision syndrome, as the name suggests, is a group of eye problems that affect the vision due to the constant use of a computer. With most job profiles requiring to spend hours staring at a computer, it goes without saying that at least 50% of computer users have one or the other symptoms of CVS[1]. However, it is not just related to adults as kids these days also spend hours with mobiles and computers, which also increases the risk in the long run.
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How To Reduce Eye Strain And Prevent CVS?
If possible, try to spend a maximum of one hour a day on digital screens. However, if you have a desk job that requires the use of computers all throughout the day, then it might not be possible to avoid the computer screen. Hence, in such cases, there are a few steps you need to follow to lower eye strain and lower the risk of CVS.
1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: This is one of the commonly recommended rules by ophthalmologists to reduce eye strain and prevent CVS. As per the rule, you need to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look away 20 feet away from your computer. By doing so, it not only prevents straining of the eyes but also causes the eye muscles used for focusing to stretch, leading to healthy eyes.
2. Take frequent breaks: The next one is to avoid working for long hours at a stretch staring your computer screen. After every 30 minutes or an hour, close your eyes for 20 seconds. This lowers the pressure on the eyes caused due to constant staring on the screen and improves the function of the eye muscles, an effect similar to that of ‘Rule 20’.
3. Use proper lighting: Put shades and drapes on windows to avoid bright light coming from outside, when you are working on a computer. This will reduce the added pressure on the eyes, thus lowering the risk of CVS. In addition to this, also adjust the brightness of your computer screen. The best way to do so is to closely match the brightness of the surrounding with that of your computer screen.
4. Minimize glare: If you wear glasses, it is best to invest in an anti-reflective lens. Alternatively, you can even install an anti-reflection(AR) coating on your computer screen to cut down on the reflection due to walls and shiny surfaces in the office.
5. Try eye-relaxing exercises: Certain exercises of the eye can help ease the pressure on the eyes and thus, alleviate computer-related vision problems. There are some simple techniques to alleviate computer eye strain. Some of them are:
– Gently massage your eyelids daily. It will improve blood circulation to the eyes, relax the eye muscles and it will also stimulate the tear glands, which will help prevent dry eyes.
– Close your eyes and try to rotate your eyeballs in the clockwise and anticlockwise direction every two hours. Do it three times before you get back to work.
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(The article is reviewed by Dr. Lalit Kanodia, General Physician)
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References:
1. Sheppard AL, Wolffsohn JS. Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration. BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2018 Apr 16;3(1):e000146