Consequences of computer vision syndrome

What is computer vision syndrome?

Ms. Hoai Thuong (27 years old, Hanoi) works in the field of graphic design. She considers herself a "workaholic" so she can sit all day in front of the computer.

MSc. Dr. Pham Huy Vu Tung examines a patient.

However, for nearly a year now, Ms. Thuong has found that her vision is not stable, sometimes accompanied by watery eyes. After going to the doctor, she found out that she has computer vision syndrome.

According to Dr. Hoang Thanh Nga, Hanoi Eye Hospital 2, computer vision syndrome is understood as a group of problems related to the eyes and vision caused by long-term, frequent use of electronic devices such as computers, tablets, phones, and televisions.

This is not a specific disease but includes many different symptoms such as: eye fatigue; dry or red eyes; eye irritation; blurred vision; double vision or loss of focus; sensitivity to light; eye pain, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as: headache; neck, shoulder or back pain.

Many of the visual symptoms experienced by computer and electronic device users are temporary and will improve after a break. However, some people may continue to experience visual impairments, such as blurred distance vision, even after stopping computer use.

Causes of disease

Dr. Pham Huy Vu Tung, Ophthalmology specialist, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that although it is not a dangerous disease, computer vision syndrome causes discomfort to patients and affects daily activities.

Often, reducing screen time can help screen vision symptoms go away. But if we continue to use screens every day, the symptoms may keep coming back and getting worse.

Dr. Thanh Nga further explained that the cause of computer vision syndrome is due to the eyes having to focus continuously when working with the computer, leading to a decrease in blinking frequency, making the eyes quickly dry, sore and tired, and causing blurred vision.

Many people also regularly use electronic devices in low light conditions such as turning off the lights, covering themselves with blankets to watch TV, watching their phones all night, or in too strong (glaring) light such as shining a light directly on the computer screen or increasing the brightness of the phone screen to the maximum level.

The distance between the eyes and the electronic device screen is not suitable, too close or too far, causing the eyes to have to constantly adjust, causing fatigue.

How to fix?

Computer vision syndrome can be quickly overcome by adjusting some bad habits such as: Adjusting sitting posture, computer screen, and work documents appropriately, so that the eyes do not have to constantly change the point of view.

Adjust the lighting of electronic devices and surrounding space appropriately, not too strong or too weak; You can use additional screen glare filters to reduce the amount of light reflected from the screen.

In addition, people can practice the habit of resting their eyes with the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of looking at the screen, rest your eyes by looking at an object 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds. And, after every 2 hours of work, you can leave your position and relax for at least 15-20 minutes.

Blink frequently or use artificial tears to provide moisture to the eyes. You should develop a habit of having an eye exam every 6 months to check your vision, which will help limit symptoms related to computer vision syndrome and prevent the development of eye diseases.

Research documents show that most people who work continuously in front of a computer screen for more than three hours a day are at high risk of developing computer vision syndrome.

The level of eye irritation and discomfort increases with the frequency of use of electronic devices. If the patient is not detected and treated promptly, it will not only affect the quality of work but also potentially lead to severe vision loss.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/he-luy-cua-hoi-chung-thi-giac-man-hinh-192250324235208949.htm