Computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, is caused by prolonged usage of digital screens, leading to symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision. Contributing factors include poor lighting, glare, improper screen positioning, and uncorrected vision problems. Prevention strategies focus on proper seating, screen placement, lighting adjustments, regular breaks, and treatment may involve corrective lenses and vision therapy.

1. COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
SHAIJAN MATHEW
3RD YEAR BSC OPTOMETRY

2. INTRODUCTION
• Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, is a group
of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged
computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use.
• The extent of visual symptoms often depends on the level of their
visual abilities and the amount of time spent looking at a digital screen.
• Uncorrected refractive error and astigmatism, inadequate eye
focusing or eye coordination abilities, and aging changes of the eyes,
such as presbyopia, can contribute to the development of visual
symptoms when using a computer or digital screen device

3. SYMPTOMS
• Asthenopia
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Itchy eyes
• Dryness
• Facial rash / dermitis

4. CAUSES
• Poor lighting
• Glare on a digital screen
• Improper viewing distances
• Poor seating posture
• Uncorrected vision problems
• A combination of all these factors

5. DIAGNOSIS
• Patient history to determine the factors that contributing to the
symptoms related to computer use.
• Visual acuity measurements to assess the extent to which vision may be
affected.
• Refraction to determine the appropriate lens power needed to
compensate for any refractive errors
• Binocular vision assessment to assess motor and sensory function of eye

6. PREVENTION
Seating position
• Chairs should be comfortably padded and conform to the body.
• Chair height should be adjusted so your feet rest flat on the floor.
• If your chair has arms, they should be adjusted to provide arm support while you are typing
• Your wrists shouldn't rest on the keyboard when typing.
• Seating with equal distribution of pressure

7. Location of computer screen
• The computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches)
as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
Reference materials
• Materials should be located above the keyboard and below the monitor.
• A document holder can be used beside the monitor.
• The goal is to avoid moving head to look from the document to the screen.
Lighting
• Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead
lighting or windows.
• Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps
with bulbs of lower wattage.

8. Anti-glare screens
• To minimize glare ,consider using a screen glare filter.
• These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen
Rest breaks try 20-20-20 rule
• Resting eyes for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the
objects at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds to allow your eyes a chance
to refocus.
Blinking
• To minimize your chances of dry eye, make an effort to blink frequently.
• Blinking keeps the front surface of your eye moist.

9. TREATMENT
For Eye related issues
• Spectacle or contact lenses for correction of refractive errors
• Lenses with tints or coatings ( ARC, blue light filters) to maximize
visual abilities and comfort.
• Vision therapy exercises help to improve eye movement, eye
focusing and eye teaming and reinforce the eye-brain connection.
Treatment may include office-based as well as home training
procedures.
• Artificial tear solution for dry eyes

10. THANK YOU