What Is Computer Vision Syndrome—and Are You at Risk?

If you have ever finished a long day at your desk with tired, dry eyes or a dull headache, you have likely experienced it firsthand. That feeling has a name: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It is not a single disease, but a collection of vision and comfort problems triggered by sustained screen use.

Simply put, our eyes were not designed to stare at pixels for hours on end. The constant focusing and refocusing, coupled with glare and poor contrast, forces them to work in overdrive. The good news? Understanding what it is and why it happens is the first step toward finding relief.

Why Screens Strain Our Eyes

A digital screen adds glare, flicker, and contrast that make your eyes work harder. When you are focused, you also tend to blink less, often only half as much as you normally would. This leads to dry, irritated eyes as your tear film evaporates too quickly.

The biggest culprit, however, is where you are looking. Most screens are positioned at an intermediate zone, not quite far away and not quite up close. This forces your eyes’ focusing system to constantly make tiny adjustments, leading to muscle fatigue. It is a recipe for discomfort that millions of people experience daily.

Are You at Risk?

In many ways, if you use a digital device, you are at risk. However, the severity of your symptoms can depend on several factors:

• The clock: Spending two or more continuous hours at a screen significantly increases your risk.
• Your glasses: Uncorrected vision problems (even minor ones) or wearing glasses that are not optimized for screen distance can make things worse.
• Your setup: Glare on your screen, poor lighting, and improper seating posture all contribute to the problem.
• Your habits: Not taking breaks is the most common reason symptoms pile up.

The Telltale Signs You Might Have CVS

The symptoms of CVS are usually clear, though they can vary from person to person.

• Visual Symptoms: Blurred vision, double vision, and difficulty focusing when you look away from your screen.
• Physical Discomfort: Eyestrain, headaches, red or dry eyes, and a burning sensation.
• Muscle-Related Issues: Shoulder, neck, and back pain, often stemming from poor posture while leaning toward the screen.

These issues can cut into your productivity and make your workday feel much longer than it is.

What You Can Do About It

Effective management of CVS is about making smart adjustments to your environment and habits. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit gives your focusing muscles a critical break.

Position your screen about an arm’s length away with the top at or below eye level, and adjust the brightness to match your room’s lighting to reduce squinting. If you wear glasses, ask your optometrist about computer-specific lenses with anti-glare coating — they are designed for that screen distance and can make a huge difference.

Remember to blink. We stare so intently at screens that we forget this basic reflex, leaving our eyes dry and gritty. Making a conscious effort to blink fully and often is like giving your eyes a constant, mini-refresh throughout the day.

For more on computer vision syndrome, visit Warren Optometric Clinic. Our office is in Warren, Michigan. Call (586) 300-5700 to schedule an appointment today.