Computer Vision

Do you stare at computer or mobile screens for long periods of time each day? With the rise of technological advances and applications, more people are staring at their screens. As a result, eye issues associated with computer and mobile device viewing are on the rise. Usually, symptoms appear after two or more uninterrupted hours of computer viewing and go away soon after you step away from the screen. If you regularly spend lots of time looking at a computer, those symptoms could become chronic, and require treatment.

Woman struggling with her eyes from computer vision.

What are the symptoms of computer eye? Symptoms can vary, but some of the most common ones include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Eye strain and/or discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Dry and/or scratchy eyes
  • Neck and/or shoulder pain

How is Computer Eye Diagnosed and Treated?

The amount of time you have had the symptoms, as well as their severity, all need to be taken into consideration when making a diagnosis and treatment plan for this condition. Any pre-existing eye conditions, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism will also be looked at, as this condition can exacerbate them. Your eye doctor in Boston, Dr. Fox, will take all of these things into consideration when performing your initial eye exam.

Testing for computer vision includes the following tests:

  • Measuring the quality of your vision as it is now
  • Determining if lenses would make your vision better, and what the strength of those lenses would need to be
  • Determining how well your eyes work together, and how accurately they can focus on objects and different distances

Once these tests are done, a treatment plan can be custom designed for you to meet your unique individual needs. Using a special pair of glasses just for being on the computer is a common treatment. Changing your glasses or contacts to more computer-friendly ones is another option. Taking breaks from the computer every twenty minutes by looking away from the screen for twenty seconds to re-focus your eyes is good for relieving eyestrain associated with computer use. Taking a fifteen-minute break from the screen entirely every two hours you're on the computer also improves your eye health and comfort. Blinking often or use eye wetting drops to make sure your eyes don't get too dry may be recommended, as well.

There are also things you can do with your computer to help your eyes. You can adjust your monitor to about fifteen to twenty degrees lower than your eye level when you are sitting about two to two and a half feet from the screen. Anti-glare screens on monitors are useful and help reduce screen glare from nearby lights. In fact, moving other lights around to minimize glare, and using natural lighting whenever you are able to are good techniques to ease the strain computer screens put on your eyes.

Make Your Appointment With Our Boston Eye Doctor, Dr. Fox, Today

Come get the eye care in Boston you need to have the healthiest eyes possible, regardless of how much time you spend on the computer. We are an optometry practice Boston is proud to call its own, and we are looking forward to welcoming you to the Eyes Over Copley family. Contact us for your first appointment today. You can reach us at (617) 859-0630

With a combination of the proper optometry care and self-care, you can minimize computer eye syndrome and other modern-day vision problems. Contact us for an appointment today.

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