Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) affects 90% of individuals using a computer for three or more hours daily, leading to symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and eye strain. Prevention strategies include the use of artificial tears, regular eye focus breaks, and proper ergonomic practices. Addressing CVS can enhance productivity and reduce visual discomfort associated with extensive computer use.

1. Computer
Vision
Syndrome
(CVS)

2. “The complex of eye and vision problems
related to near work experienced during
computer use.”
American Optometric Association

3. Did you know?
• CVS affects 90% of people
who spend three hours or
more a day at a computer.
• 143 million Americans
work on computer each
day.
• Decreased focusing
capability is corrected
with plus-powered over-
the-counter eyeglasses.
• Reading glasses not best
solution for computer
use.
• Blink rate decreases to as
low as 6–8 blinks/minute
focusing on the computer
screen.
• The normal blink rate is
16–20 per minute.
• Even if don’t suffer from
symptoms may still
experience reduced
productivity and accuracy
at computer.

4. Symptoms
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Neck pain
• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Irritated eyes
• Double vision
• Difficulty refocusing
eyes
• Dry eyes
•Symptoms worsened by poor lighting and air
moving across eyes
•CVS only temporary and will decline after stopping
computer work

5. Why does this happen?
• Our eyes and brain react differently to characters on
screen than to printed characters
• Decreased blinking reflex while focusing on the
computer screen
• Uncorrected vision conditions
• Poor computer design
• Workplace ergonomics
• Highly demanding visual tasks

6. Prevention
• Over-the-counter
artificial-tear solutions
• Proper rest
• Consciously blink
• Often look out the
window to a distant
object
• Close eyes for 20
seconds, at least every
half hour
• "20-20-20 rule": every
20 minutes, focus the
eyes on an object 20
feet away for 20
seconds.
• Minimize glare
• Update display
• Adjust
brightness/contrast

7. Computer Ergonomics
• Ergonomics - Science of designing a job, equipment
and/or workplace to fit the worker.
• Tips to reduce risk of computer eye strain:
– Sit with head & neck in-line with torso, not bent down or tilted
back
– Avoid viewing screen with head turned or back twisted
– Keep elbows close to body
– Pick chair with lower back support, cushioned seat, and
contoured front edge
– Keep mouse close to key board
– Position monitor so top of screen is just above eye level
– Keep monitor close enough to read text without struggling
– Keep print documents at same height and distance as display

8. Productivity
• Direct correlation between proper vision
correction and time required to complete a
task on computer