Computer Eyestrain or Computer Vision Syndrome

We have been diagnosing and treating Computer Vision Syndrome since the old monochrome green or amber video monitors became popular in the 1970s. The early low resolution CGA color monitors were even worse. Those monitors could cause a headache in minutes! (Before the monochrome monitors came into use, programmers communicated with their computers by way of computer punch cards, generally hundreds to thousands of punch cards that were processed on a typewriter-like device.)

Maintaining clear, binocular vision at a fixed mid-near distance always causes some focusing and eye converging challenges. How any individual compensates for that eyestrain determines how comfortable they will be viewing a computer monitor. For short periods of time, it may not be a concern. If that stressful eye posture has to be held for two to four or eight hours or more, the eyes may be crying out for relief, but you may not recognize the symptoms.

SYMPTOMS
Headaches, eyestrain, blurring vision, slow or difficult focusing, tearing, dry eye, double vision, neck and shoulder aches and fatigue, and pressure in or behind your eyes have all been common complaints associated with computer use. Since every individual is different, every person will adapt to the strain of computer use differently.

We have the ability to identify the specific cause of the eyestrain and eliminate it with special computer glasses. There is relief at the end of this tunnel for computer users.

There is more information about Computer Vision Syndrome at the the American Optometric Association site.