This blog was written by Kara Gootee. Meet our blogging fitness specialists at the NIFS website.
Do you find that after sitting at your desk staring at your computer all day, you start seeing double? Your eyes might feel irritated and dry. You might even have a headache or neck, shoulder, and back pain. You might be suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS is described by the American Optometric Association as vision-related problems following prolonged computer use.
Other symptoms of CVS include the following:
- Eyestrain
- Tired, achy eyes
- Blurred vision
- Trouble focusing after long periods of computer use
Most symptoms are temporary and will subside after completing computer work. If your work causes you to spend long hours at a computer monitor, consider taking breaks. Incorporate a stretch break so you can relax your head, neck, and shoulders while giving your eyes a rest, or simply get up and move. Prevention will help reduce visual symptoms associated with CVS.
Consider these additional steps to protect your eyes:
- Take short breaks; for a few seconds to a minute, look away from your computer monitor.
- Tilt your monitor up to prevent glare, or consider an anti-glare screen.
- Position your monitor so the screen is 4 to 5 inches below eye level, and so you sit 16 to 30 inches away.
- To avoid dry eyes, blink frequently to keep your eyes moist.
Make sure to routinely visit your eye doctor and give your eyes a break! Vision health is an important part of worksite wellness.