Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition that affects many computer users. Approximately 70% of computer workers are reported to having vision problems. The symptoms CVS include eyestrain, dry or burning eyes, blurred vision, headaches, double vision, distorted color vision, and neck and backaches.

The condition is caused by various factors. One factor is poor visual skills such as accommodative (eye focusing) skills or binocularity (eye coordination/eye teaming) skills. Another factor is the tendency of computer users to stare at monitors for long periods without changing eye focus from time to time. The distance between a computer user and a monitor is another factor. Room lighting, monitor glare, screen color, print color, and print size can also be contributing factors to this condition.

Because working at a computer is a visually demanding task, often in a compromised visual environment, various forms of discomfort (and decreased performance) commonly occur. Here are the most common symptoms of CVS:

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) may be improved by vision therapy, prescription glasses, or modifications to a computer workstation. Consult an optometrist to determine if your accommodative (eye focusing) or binocularity (eye coordination/eye teaming) skills are adequate.

Computer users are at higher risk for irritated eyes. Plus, the usual bifocal and progressive addition lens corrections don’t work well for computer users: they could cause eye or musculoskeletal problems.

When a person’s blurry vision begins to interfere with everyday activities such as driving, working, or reading, the examining eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery. A cataract may also need to be removed in order to monitor another condition of the inside of the eye, such as the retina in diabetes or the optic nerve in glaucoma patients.