Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome

January 31, 2021

Computer vision syndrome is a combination of symptoms that result from extended use of digital screen devices. Many people spend a lot of time on their computers, smartphones, and tablets. After a while, they start to experience eyestrain, headaches, and dry eye. Their vision may also blur, and they may have pain in the shoulder and neck.

The cure for computer vision syndrome is by avoiding the digital devices that cause it. But, with the demands of modern life, that is impossible. But you can take some steps to make your screen time easier on your eyes.

Here are some tips for preventing computer vision syndrome:

Have Your Eyes Examined

Top among the preventative measures is to have regular eye exams. During your visit, let the optometrist know the frequency with which you use digital screen devices. Know the exact distance you sit from the screen and let the optometrist test your eyes working from that distance. The doctor will then offer you advice or aids to make seeing from that distance safe and easy.

Adjust the Lighting

The lighting in the room, from the desk lamps, windows, or overhead lighting, should not cause a glare on your screen. Buy low-wattage bulbs with lower lighting to reduce the glow. Alternatively, you could get a screen glare filter for your computer monitor to reduce the amount of light reflected from it.

Reduce the Glare

After reducing the computer screen’s glare, reduce the glare from your surroundings. You may have shiny finished surfaces and walls that reflect light. The glow from these surfaces causes your eyes to strain more. If your walls are too bright, paint them a dark color and give them a matte finish. To protect your eyes further, get yourself an anti-reflective coating for your eyeglasses. It reflects off light from the surface of the lenses, reducing the glare on your eyes.

Change the Settings in Your Computer

Adjusting your computer’s display settings would do well to reduce your eyestrain. Start by bringing down the brightness of your screen. The screen should only be as bright as the surrounding space. If your device appears like it’s emitting light, bring down its lighting. If it is so dull, increase the lighting.

You may also want to change the color temperature of your screen. By this, we mean that you should adjust the spectrum of visible light that the color display emits. Most screens emit blue light, which causes eyestrain due to its short wavelength. You can bring down your screen’s color temperature by choosing hues like red and orange, which have longer wavelengths. The lesser the blue light in your color display, the more comfortable the screen is to your eyes.

The size and contrast of your text matter too. Choose a comfortable text size, especially when reading long portions of text. Also, lean towards black text on a white background. The combination is also quite comfortable.

While you cannot avoid digital screen devices, the above tips may help you avoid computer vision syndrome. Comprehensive eye exams are also important because they confirm that your eyes are still healthy and well. Have your eyes examined by the Eye Associates of New York, in Midtown East, New York, NY, we offer several solutions to modern eye care and vision enhancements.

Learn more about preventing computer vision syndrome, contact Eye Associates of New York, in Midtown East, New York, NY at (212) 650-4888.