{"id":386,"date":"2022-01-28T20:02:49","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T20:02:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=386"},"modified":"2024-12-09T16:09:46","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T21:09:46","slug":"computer-vision-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/computer-vision-syndrome","title":{"rendered":"What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain<\/a>, is a set of vision- and eye-related symptoms resulting from prolonged screen usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, you don\u2019t have to look very far to find concerning screen-time statistics. We\u2019re told that people are spending eight hours a day<\/a> looking at some kind of digital media, that a third of Americans<\/a> say they\u2019re \u201calmost constantly online,\u201d and that we may spend a grand total of 44 years of our lives<\/a> in front of screens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But does looking at screens affect your eyesight? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is yes. As we increasingly depend on computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices, more and more people are experiencing a condition called computer vision syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who’s at Risk for Computer Vision Syndrome?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re logging two or more hours of screen time a day, then you may already be familiar with CVS symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Computer vision syndrome can lead to blurry vision, sore eyes, and a host of other eye problems<\/a>. Its consequences aren\u2019t limited to your eyes\u2014it can also cause pain elsewhere in the body and diminish your work productivity.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, digital eye strain doesn\u2019t discriminate based on age and can affect children as well as adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re staring at your computer screen, it may feel as though your eyes are largely at rest. But in fact, they\u2019re working hard to maintain the right state of focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because text and visuals on a screen consist of pixels\u2014small units of light, glowing with varying intensities\u2014it\u2019s tough for your eyes to settle into a single focused state. Instead, they often switch between concentrated focus on the screen and a less effortful state of focus called the resting point of accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading letters on a printed page doesn\u2019t require the same amount of effort. The crisp, black letters on the uniformly white paper are easier for your eyes to discern, due to their clear contrast. Not to mention, a page doesn\u2019t have disruptive features such as a flickering, reflective surface and glare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, when you\u2019re dealing with screens, your eyes are flexing in and out of different focus levels, essentially getting a strenuous workout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re also looking back and forth and up and down as you read. You might be consulting other materials that aren\u2019t on the screen, too, which brings a new level of focus to the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, studies have shown that you don\u2019t blink as much when looking at screens (per the University of Iowa<\/a>, you blink 66% less!). Because they\u2019re not getting moistened as frequently as they\u2019re used to, your eyes might experience dryness, irritation, and slightly blurred vision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing all of this, it makes sense that the muscles inside and around your eyes would become fatigued after extended screen time. That\u2019s digital eye strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Risk Factors for Computer Vision Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The unique properties of screens might cause computer vision syndrome, but other factors can exacerbate it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inadequate lighting: <\/strong>A poorly lit environment<\/a> can increase the strain on your eyes as you work on your computer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distance from the screen: <\/strong>If your screen is too close or too far away, your eyes will naturally work harder to help you see what\u2019s on it. For most people, computer screens should sit about two feet\u201420 to 28 inches\u2014away from your face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body position: <\/strong>A hunched posture, a chronically tilted head, tight shoulders\u2014all of these can both stem from and contribute to digital eye strain, creating a distinctly uncomfortable feedback loop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uncorrected vision: <\/strong>If you have vision problems<\/a> that haven\u2019t been addressed by corrective lenses\u2014prescription glasses<\/a> or contacts<\/a>\u2014then your digital eye strain symptoms can be especially pronounced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Digital eye strain may cause any or all of the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n