Be it for leisure or work, our lives have become intertwined with digital devices like computers, smartphones, televisions, etc. This constant exposure to different screen technologies may result in computer vision syndrome, an eye condition that affects all ages.
Also known as digital eye strain, computer vision syndrome (CVS) refers to the eye-related discomfort and strain resulting from prolonged use of digital devices. Neglecting CVS symptoms can significantly impact eye health over time. That is why Eyeonce Eye Clinic strives to provide you with a healthier and more comfortable digital lifestyle through its customized eye care program. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone who spends significant time in front of a screen, Eyeonce is here to guide you!
Causes and Risk Factors
Digital devices affect our eyes through a complex interaction between blue light emission, the demands of visual concentration, and the impact of prolonged screen exposure. Here is a breakdown:
- Blue light exposure – Most digital devices emit blue light with short, high-energy wavelengths. Excessive exposure to this type of light, especially at night, can disrupt circadian rhythms and negatively impact sleep patterns. Moreover, blue light scatters more efficiently than any other type of light and can penetrate the eye, causing visual discomfort and pain.
- Prolonged screen time – One of the critical causes of computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the time spent in front of digital screens. Prolonged screen exposure strains the eye’s focusing muscles and causes fatigue.
- Poor lighting – When your room or workstation is too dark or bright, your eyes must work harder to see clearly. Bright screen glares can make it even more challenging for your eyes,
- Screen positioning – Poor screen positioning might not seem like a big deal, but it plays a significant role in CVS development. When your screen is not at eye level or too close or far, your eyes must work harder to adjust focus constantly. Prolonged, inconsistent focusing causes eye strain, making your eyes feel tired, dry, and uncomfortable.
- Uncorrected vision issues – Individuals with existing vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism who do not use the prescribed glasses or contact lenses in front of the screen may worsen eye strain.
Moreover, the following may increase the risk factors for developing computer vision syndrome:
- Uncontrolled gadget use
- Age
- Screen quality
- Blinking less
- Sleeping habits
- Personal habits
Being aware of the causes and risk factors and taking steps to minimize them can help prevent or manage computer vision syndrome effectively. However, consult a trusted eye care professional
like Dr. Paik Dong Won and Dr. Jung Sae Rom from Eyeonce Eye Clinic if the discomfort persists.
Symptoms
The following listed below are the most common symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome. Some people might have only a few of these symptoms:
- Eye discomfort and strain – One of the hallmark symptoms of CVS is a feeling of discomfort and pain in the eyes. Individuals with computer vision syndrome may experience sensations like grittiness, dryness, or a burning sensation in the eyes.
- Blurred vision – This blurriness might last a while before the eyes adjust, which causes difficulty seeing distant objects.
- Headaches and migraines – Frequent headaches, especially around the temples and forehead after spending time on screens, indicate CVS. Individuals may feel headaches ranging from mild discomfort to intense migraines.
- Difficulty focusing – It is a sign of CVS because the eyes become accustomed to the screen’s distance and may struggle to adjust to different distances quickly.
- Tired eyes – If you have CVS, your eyes may feel like they are carrying a heavy load after a heavy-screen day.
- Dry eyes – Spending prolonged screen hours may result in decreased blinking, and less blinking means your eyes might not be producing enough tears. Insufficient tears can lead to dry, itchy, and uncomfortable eyes. m,,,
- Redness and irritation – Staring at screens for an extended period can lead to inflammation and redness.
- Double vision – Prolonged screen time can occasionally cause double vision. The latter should not be ignored and warrants a timely visit to an eye care professional.
- Neck and shoulder pain – Poor screen positioning and slouching can strain these muscles, causing discomfort and pain that radiates from the neck down to the shoulders.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you must immediately consult your eye doctor. At Eyeonce Eye Clinic, we provide expert assistance to patients dealing with CVS. Our skilled team of eye care professionals understands the challenges posed by this eye condition. Book an appointment with our eye doctors today.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Eyeonce Eye Clinic is dedicated to providing the following diagnosis and treatment options for computer vision syndrome:
- Comprehensive eye examination – Our experienced eye doctors at Eyeonce conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess your eye’s overall health. It includes checking your visual acuity, measuring refractive errors, and evaluating your eye condition.
- Symptom assessment – Our eye care professionals take their time to understand your symptoms and their severity.
- Screen habits evaluation – In this evaluation, you will be asked by eye doctors about your daily screen usage patterns, work environment, and screen-related habits. Doing so will aid them in identifying the specific factors contributing to your CVS.
If you are diagnosed with computer vision syndrome, the following treatment options may be considered:
- Prescription eyewear – Our ophthalmologists will prescribe the appropriate eyewear, like contact lenses or eyeglasses, if you have any underlying refractive errors. Wearing prescription eyewear can significantly reduce CVS symptoms.
- Blue-light filters – Eyeonce Eye Clinic offers specialized lenses with blue filters that can help reduce the impact of blue light emissions from digital devices. These filters minimize eye strain and discomfort associated with prolonged screen exposure.
- Screen ergonomics guidance – Our expert eye doctors guide proper positioning, chair ergonomics, and lighting to create a comfortable and eye-friendly workspace. Screen ergonomics also help prevent unnecessary eye and neck strain.
- Vision therapy – For individuals with underlying visual coordination issues, vision therapy exercises may improve eye teaming, focusing, and tracking skills, reducing CVS symptoms.
Eyeonce is known to provide customized treatment plans based on a diagnosis encompassing a range of strategies to alleviate your computer vision syndrome effectively. Visit Eyeonce’s official website to learn more about their services.
Why choose Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam for computer vision syndrome treatment?
Utmost Patient Care
Our eye care professionals and staff ensure to give you your money’s worth. We guarantee you receive the best medication possible and assure you that you are guided and understood, making you feel comfortable and confident at every step.
Comprehensive Consultation
Eyeonce Eye Clinic offers comprehensive eye examinations to evaluate your condition and determine the best CVS treatment. Our ophthalmologists take their time to cater to your questions and address your concerns, ensuring you make an informed decision about our vision correction options.
Expert Eye Doctors
Our ophthalmologists, Head Director Dr. Paik Dong Won and Medical Director Dr. Jung Sae Rom, are highly knowledgeable and adept in treating CVS. They always use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Children are also susceptible to CVS, especially if they have uncontrolled screen time.
While CVS does not cause permanent eye damage, neglecting its symptoms may exacerbate underlying concerns.
No, especially those screens with blue light filters or technologies that can help reduce blue light emission, making them less harmful to the eye.
Conclusion
In today’s day and age, our lives have been interconnected with digital devices that may harm our eyes. While computer vision syndrome does not cause permanent eye damage, having regular eye checks with your eye care professionals is imperative. Eyeonce Eye Clinic offers several treatment options for CVS that are best suited for your unique needs. Book an appointment with their eye doctors today and discover why they are one of the leading eye centers in South Korea.
