FACT: There is no proof that using a computer all day causes permanent damage to your eyes. Eye problems caused by prolonged computer use is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It consists of a whole range of eye strain and discomfort symptoms and is not one specific problem.
Your eyes must repeatedly focus, refocus, move back and forth and adjust to moving images, rapidly sending images to your brain. This requires effort and movement from your eye muscles. Like with tennis elbow, this overuse leads to discomfort. This can be worsened by uncorrected refractive errors. After 40 when you start needing reading glasses this strain can become even worse.
You may experience blurred vision, double vision, dry, red eyes, headaches and neck pain.
CVS can be improved by correcting refractive errors with glasses or LASIK; reducing glare on your screen and adjusting brightness, contrast and font size to make you comfortable. Look up from your computer screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds to something at least 6 meters away. Blink often and use eye drops if your eyes are dry.
MYTH BUSTED: Computer use causes eye damage.
If you suspect you have CVS visit your eye care specialist.
