If you spend a lot of time looking at a computer or digital screen, your eyes may be paying a price. If it's causing you eye discomfort, you may have computer vision syndrome. At EyeWest Vision Clinic we offer treatment for computer vision syndrome and other common eye disorders in Rogers, MN, and St. Michael, MN.
What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is a group of symptoms that happen when you spend a lot of time at a computer. It's also known as digital eye strain. In addition to computers, it can be caused by spending lots of time looking at any type of digital screen, including cell phones, and tablets.
Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome
When viewing a digital screen, your eyes need to work harder. Your eyes work differently when viewing a digital screen. Glare and reflections can also contribute to eye strain from screen time.
If you have another type of vision issue, you might be more likely to develop computer vision syndrome. Even mild vision problems might make digital eye strain worse.
Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
Some symptoms of computer vision syndrome are dry eye, itchy eyes, and eye irritation. You may also notice that your eye muscles feel strained or fatigued. Blurred vision can also occur.
Symptoms can go beyond your eyes as well. Headaches, neck pain, and back aches can be caused by computer vision syndrome as well.
Treatment and Prevention
If you have computer vision syndrome, there are ways to treat it using a combination of glasses and lifestyle changes.
Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are designed to filter out blue light from digital screens. Blue light may be a factor in digital eye strain so reducing it might help relieve your computer vision syndrome. If you wear glasses, an eye doctor can provide you with prescription blue light glasses. If you don't have a prescription, you may benefit from non-prescription blue light glasses.
Lifestyle Changes
Giving your eyes regular breaks may be important. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds. You should also take a 15 minute break after every 2 hours of computer or screen time. Proper ergonomics might also help relieve your symptoms.
Get Blue Light Glasses from an Eye Doctor on Our Team
If you are experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome or simply need to visit an eye doctor for a regular eye exam in (763) 497-3754 St. Michael, MN, or (763) 428-3757 Rogers, MN, contact us at EyeWest Vision Clinic. We can provide digital eye strain treatment and dry eye treatment.
