Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is a group of vision problems that many people have after looking for long periods of time at the screen of a digital device, such as a computer, tablet, e-reader, or cell phone. The main cause is the fuzzy dots, or pixels, on the digital screen. They make your eyes change focus often.
Computer Vision SyndromeComputer vision syndrome, or CVS, is a group of vision problems that many people have after looking for long periods of time at the screen of a digital device, such as a computer, tablet, e-reader, or cell phone. The main cause is the fuzzy dots, or pixels, on the digital screen. They make your eyes change focus often.Symptoms of CVSThe signs and symptoms of CVS include:the inability to keep the letters on a digital screen in clear focus; eyestrain; pain around the eyes; headaches; neck and shoulder pain; blurred vision; fatigue; double vision; or dry eyes. Your eyes may also feel dry and gritty during the day. They may feel worse if you wear contact lenses.Causes of CVSSymptoms may be caused by one or more of these factors:poor lighting; improper viewing distance from a digital screen; poor seating posture; glare from a digital screen; uncorrected vision issues; and aging. Treatment of CVSTreatment starts with having a complete eye exam. This includes tests to show how your eyes focus and work together when viewing a digital screen.Computer eyeglasses may be prescribed for you to wear while working at a computer. They can adjust your focus so that your eyes do not have to work so hard. They might also help to correct vision problems, such as:farsightedness; astigmatism; or presbyopia, which is the inability to focus on objects nearby. A prescription for computer eyeglasses should include an antireflection coating and a light tint to reduce glare from the digital screen.Other treatment options may include:adjusting room lighting to reduce screen glare; improving posture; determining the proper position of the computer screen and desk materials; and following the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of screen time, take a break and focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Take frequent breaks to relax your eyes. For every 20 minutes of screen use, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Make an appointment for an eye exam to assess your symptoms. Talk with your eye healthcare provider about CVS and the setup of your computer workplace. Adjust the setup so your screen is about 25 inches, or an arm’s length, away from you. It’s also best to look slightly down at the screen. Get an antiglare screen for your computer. It will decrease the light reflected from the screen. Blink more. It helps keep the surface of your eyes moist and lessens the chance of developing dry eye. And wear your computer glasses daily as you would any other safety equipment. Things to rememberWhat we have learnedCVS is a group of vision problems that many people have after looking for long periods of time at a digital screen. True or false? The answer is "true". You can have CVS symptoms while using a computer, tablet, or even a cell phone.Pain in the neck and shoulders is a symptom of CVS. True or false? The answer is "true". Other symptoms include headaches and blurred vision.Taking frequent breaks will help prevent CVS. True or false? The answer is "true". Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
Date Last Reviewed: 11/01/2020
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
