Computer vision syndrome
28 April 2025
Computer vision syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur as a result of long-term work in front of a computer. Initially, it is manifested by eye fatigue, heaviness of the eyelids, frequent blinking. Sometimes a feeling of sand or blurred vision may occur. If no measures are taken in time, the condition may worsen. Hypersensitivity to light, lacrimation and other phenomena that disrupt the normal functioning of the visual organ may develop. In some cases, computer vision syndrome is manifested by pain in the head, discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, and unpleasant sensations during eye movements.
Visual disturbances that may occur during computer vision syndrome, as a rule, do not lead to serious eye diseases, but significantly worsen the quality of life. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to regulate the load on the eyes in front of the computer, as well as choose appropriate glasses and contact lenses.
Causes of computer vision syndrome
The development of the syndrome is not associated with monitor radiation. The essence of the problem lies in the perception of the image from the screen by the eye. For example, in a book, the image does not glow on its own, does not flicker, so reading does not require much effort on the eyes. But when working with a computer, the image is illuminated and consists of a set of many small dots, pixels, which are constantly flickering. Even if this flickering is not visually noticeable, the eyes still get more tired from looking at the screen than from reading a book or magazine.
Computer vision syndrome can often develop in the following cases:
•Incorrect organization of the office: a greater or lesser distance from the monitor than the norm, high screen brightness, the need to constantly change your gaze from the monitor to the papers and vice versa, etc.
•Long and continuous work in front of the computer - when we look at the monitor, we unconsciously blink less and, consequently, the eyes become less moistened, which in turn leads to a violation of the quality of the tear film. Thus, the protective and lubricating functions of tears suffer, which contributes to the development of dry eye syndrome, which is accompanied by tearing, tearing, and discomfort in almost 50% of office workers.
•The presence of monitor glare - any light source, falling on the screen, increases eye strain.