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

2. American Optometric Association
“The complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.”
American Optometric Association

3. 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 6–8 blinks/minute focusing on the computer screen.
The normal blink rate is 16–20 per minute.
Even if don’t suffer from symptoms may still experience reduced productivity and accuracy at computer.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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
" rule": every 20 minutes, focus the eyes on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Minimize glare
Update display
Adjust brightness/contrast

7. 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

8. Productivity
Direct correlation between proper vision correction and time required to complete a task on computer

9. Sources
Wikipedia:
All About Vision:
DoctorErgo:
Mdsupport: