Eye strain is a common problem for those who spend long hours looking at a computer screen.  Use eye drops and take a break, eyecare experts advise

If you use the computer frequently for work, studies or play, you are at risk of developing computer vision syndrome (CVS).

Commonly known as eye strain, this is an increasing problem in the information age, say eyecare experts.

Dr Julian Theng, group medical director at Eagle Eye Centre, says : “CVS affects almost everyone in Singapore.  Prevention is difficult in an era where a typical person uses a computer for at least two hours and for some, up to 14 hours a day.

“Prolonged computer use causes stress as the eye muscles hold on to a tensed position to maintain focus. 

“The eye blinks a lot less, from 16 to 20 blinks to 6 to 8 blinks per minute when we are staring at the computers.”

This leads to the formation of dry spots in the cornea – the clear front window of the eye that transmits and focuses light into it – resulting in discomfort and dryness.

Adds Dr Mohamad Rosman, a consultant ophthalmologist with the refractive surgery service at Singapore National Eye Centre: “This condition is made worse if the person has pre-existing dry eyes and is working in an air-conditioned environment, which is less humid, or if a fan is blowing in his direction.”

If left untreated, CVS may affect the individual’s work productivity or ability to use the computer for extended durations, he warns.

Symptoms include tired eyes, itchy and dry eyes, and occasionally, headache, or double or blurred vision.  Affected individuals may also suffer from aches in the neck or shoulders.

Another important cause of CVS is presbyopia or lau hua yan, which refers to the loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close object due to ageing.

Dr Rosman says : “Most people with presbyopia do not know that their reading spectacles or spectacles for distance are not appropriate for computer use.  This is because the viewing distance for the computer is different compared to reading a book or when looking at a distant object.

“Thus, when using either reading spectacles or distance spectacles to look at the computer, a presbyopic person will have to strain their eyes.”

For people who find it a strain to read or focus on fine prints at the computer distance or close range, Dr Theng recommends reading glasses to help relieve some strain on the eyes.

He says: “Some people with presbyopia may require a separate pair of reading glasses to look at the computer if their normal reading distance is different from their computer reading distance.”

The good news is CVS can be treated with a generally positive outcome.  Having seen many patients with CVS, Dr Theng says: “The lubricant eye drops usually help and so do the reading glasses.

“These patients will also make it a point to reduce computer usage, which is by far the most successful treatment option.”

But if the symptoms persist, do not ignore them and get help from an eye specialist, advises Dr Rosman. 

“A detailed eye examination may be required to exclude other causes of blurring of vision like cataracts and other causes of dry eyes, like prolonged use of contact lens etc.”

EYES NEED REST TOO

Here are some tips to tackle the symptoms of computer vision syndrome:

• Blink regularly to prevent your eyes from drying out.
• Take frequent breaks by looking at a distant object for 30 seconds after looking at the computer screen for 20 minutes.
• Use lubricant eye drops (or artificial tears) to moisten your eyes and relieve dryness.
• Wear spectacles with the correct prescription for using the computer, where necessary.  If you have myopia and/or presbyopia, consult an optometrist or an optician for spectacles that suit your needs.
• Install an anti-glare screen on the monitor.

Information provided by Dr Julian Theng and Dr Mohamad Rosman