Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Submitted by John Wolf Colorado State University

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Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Submitted by
John WolfColorado State University
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• The complex of eye and vision problems related
  to near work experienced during computer use.
• American
  Optometric Association

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Did you know?

• CVS affects 90 of people who spend three hours
  or more a day at a computer.
• 143 million Americans work on computer each day.
• Decreased focusing capability is corrected with
  plus-powered over-the-counter eyeglasses.
• Reading glasses not best solution for computer
  use.

• Blink rate decreases to as low as 68
  blinks/minute focusing on the computer screen.
• The normal blink rate is 1620 per minute.
• Even if dont suffer from symptoms may still
  experience reduced productivity and accuracy at
  computer.

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Symptoms

• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Neck pain
• Fatigue
• Eye strain

• Irritated eyes
• Double vision
• Difficulty refocusing eyes
• Dry eyes

• Symptoms worsened by poor lighting and air moving
  across eyes
• CVS only temporary and will decline after
  stopping computer work

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Why does this happen?

• Our eyes and brain react differently to
  characters on screen than to printed characters
• Decreased blinking reflex while focusing on the
  computer screen
• Uncorrected vision conditions
• Poor computer design
• Workplace ergonomics
• Highly demanding visual tasks

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Prevention

• Over-the-counter artificial-tear solutions
• Proper rest
• Consciously blink
• Often look out the window to a distant object
• Close eyes for 20 seconds, at least every half
  hour

• "20-20-20 rule" every 20 minutes, focus the eyes
  on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Minimize glare
• Update display
• Adjust brightness/contrast

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Computer Ergonomics

• Ergonomics - Science of designing a job,
  equipment and/or workplace to fit the worker.
• Tips to reduce risk of computer eye strain
• Sit with head neck in-line with torso, not bent
  down or tilted back
• Avoid viewing screen with head turned or back
  twisted
• Keep elbows close to body
• Pick chair with lower back support, cushioned
  seat, and contoured front edge
• Keep mouse close to key board
• Position monitor so top of screen is just above
  eye level
• Keep monitor close enough to read text without
  struggling
• Keep print documents at same height and distance
  as display

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Productivity

• Direct correlation between proper vision
  correction and time required to complete a task
  on computer

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Sources

• Wikipedia http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_
  vision_syndrome
• All About Vision http//www.allaboutvision.com/cv
  s/ergonomics.htm
• DoctorErgo http//www.doctorergo.com/faq.html
• Mdsupport http//www.mdsupport.org/library/cvs.ht
  ml