Working in front of a computer for hours each day causes significant eye strain. So, if you’re among the many people who work in front of a computer for hours every day, you are most likely putting a lot of strain on your eyes which can result in computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome is a range of eye problems that are associated with computer use.
According to WedMD, around 50% to 90% of people who work with computers have one or more symptoms of computer vision syndrome. The syndrome affects not just adults, but also children who usually spend a lot of time playing computer games, even handheld games, and also use computers in school.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is eye strain. Depending on the symptom it can be a cause of discomfort and even pain. When you work in front of a computer for several hours, your eyes are forced to focus on the screen and then on other objects. If you read a lot, it also means your eyes are forced to move from left to right. Then as you switch from one web page to another, your eyes now have to adjust to the different size of fonts and images. All of these instances can cause a lot of strain to your eye muscles, resulting in computer vision syndrome. With so much work, your eye muscles are similarly affected in the same way as the hand is in carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you already have an existing eye condition, such as astigmatism, then you are more likely to suffer from computer vision syndrome. Similarly, the people who are 40 years old and older are also at risk because when a person reaches the age of 40 the ability of the eye to focus on far or near objects diminishes. People who are 40 years old and over and who are always working on a computer must take extra care in order to prevent computer vision syndrome.
Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
Since computer vision syndrome encompasses a wide range of eyestrain, conditions vary. However, the most common symptoms are:
Headache
Eye irritation
Blurred vision
Dry eyes
Double vision
Neck pain
Back pain
The Importance of Seeking Professional Treatment
Computer vision syndrome may seem like just a simple eye irritation or discomfort, but it can actually lead to serious eye problems. It is very important to go to an eye specialist if you work in front of a computer for several hours a day. The eye specialist will conduct a complete eye checkup and determine if you have the syndrome or other eye problems. If you do not have computer vision syndrome, they will also tell you what you need to do in order to protect your eyes so that you can prevent it. This is very important because computer vision syndrome can also affect your productivity. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you can visit Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, the leading LASIK or laser eye surgery center in Houston.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome
http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophthalmology/patient-care/eye-diseases/computer-vision-syndrome.html
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
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