CVS (COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME)

WHAT HAPPENS TO US WITH A DIGITAL SCREEN USE

Changes and Adjustments in the physical self

1. Continuous focus on near objects
2. Continuous convergence of the eyes
3. A constant exposure of the eyes to be able to focus on whats being visualized
4. Decreased blink rate.
5. Increased evapouration of tears
6. Accumulation of mucous and debris
7. Continuous exposure to blue light.
8. A habituated sitting posture that’s hunched and crouched
9. A neck thats always bent.
10. Arms,hands and fingers that are always flexed.
11. A posture that’s always hunched or crouched.

EFFECTS OF THE DIGITAL SCREEN

A digital screen emits blue light that has a shorter wavelength than the visible blue light..

• The blue light flickers and causes more glare than the normal visible light.
• The blue light has effects on the cornea the ciliary body the lens and the retina.
• The eye requires more energy to focus on the blue light and continuous adjustments cause the eyes to tire faster.
• It also damages the macula over a period of time.
• Blue light stimulates melatonin,the sleep pigment responsible for sleep and thereby disturbs sleep.
• There is an increased contrast between the brightness of the screen and the dark text and this causes tension headaches

SYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Symptoms of CVS aren’t limited to the eye alone.It extends through the body and has effects on sleep and behaviour too.

Symptoms related to the eye may be any of the following:

• Eyes tear, itch, become dry and red or hurt.
• Squinting, eye rubbing, or excessive blinking.
• Blurred vision.
• Light sensitivity after reading.
• Double vision.
• Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigues easily after reading.
• Head tilting, closing or blocking one eye when reading.
• Skips lines or loses place when reading.
• Difficulty tracking moving objects.
• Misaligning letters or numbers.
• Unusual posture or moving head closely to see book or paper.
• While reading, you feel that words, letters, or lines run together or jump around.
• Difficulty concentrating or comprehending reading material. 
• Poorly spaced written words.
• Poor eye hand coordination.

Other Non Ocular Symptoms may be:

• Headaches: tension aches/migraine
• Neck pain
• Aches and pains because of postural changes
• Sleeplessness,disturbed sleep
• Anxiety,depression
• Learning disabilities etc.

MANAGEMENT OF CVS

Management of CVS can be divided into the following:

1.Management of the ocular effects

2. Management of non Ocular Effects

3.Management of causative factors

3.Management of environmental factors

MANAGEMENT OF OCULAR EFFECTS

It is very complex as it involves multiple organs and functions of the eye.The management may take a few sessions and may spread over a few months too.It begins with

1. Answering a detailed questionnaire.
2. Systematic step by step assessment of the eye.This may sometimes take a few sittings.This could be done in the following ways.
3. Vision correction and refraction
4. Management of Ocular motility and function
5. Binocular vision
6. Dry eye

• Diagnosis

1. Treatment
2. Follow up.