Computer Vision Syndrome: Eye Relief From Screen Time

Jul 20, 2023

Your eyes may be vulnerable due to computer vision syndrome (CVS), an eyestrain condition caused by too much screen time in front of devices such as computers, cell phones, tablets, and e-readers. Study results from a 2020 Vision Council report show you may be vulnerable to this condition with just four hours of screen time each day.

Computer vision syndrome is widespread. Worldwide, around 60 million people experience this condition.

This article will teach you the telltale signs of computer vision syndrome, ways to relieve your eyes, tips for reducing screen time, and more.

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Determining if you have computer vision syndrome (also called digital eyestrain) begins by recognizing the symptoms. Here's what to watch out for:

If you notice these symptoms, ask yourself how frequent and intense they are. Having a total of six symptoms may mean you have computer vision syndrome, especially if they are more than simply mild.

Those who suspect they have computer vision syndrome should visit an eye doctor, such as an ophthalmologist, to confirm a diagnosis. Your eye doctor will take a thorough history and perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if anything else may be contributing to your symptoms.

Part of the exam will involve testing your depth perception and binocular vision (seeing with two eyes together). Your provider will also do a dilated exam, widening your pupils with eye drops to look at the back of the eye, making sure there are no eye disease factors there.

While computer vision syndrome symptoms can be uncomfortable, fortunately, the sensation usually subsides once you step away from your screens for a few hours. But if you continue to power through without giving your eyes a break, repeated eyestrain can cause reduced visual acuity even after stepping away from the screen, and this symptom may worsen over time.

Making some changes to your environment can help with eyestrain. Here are some steps you can take:

Other measures may be less helpful. While you may have heard about glasses that block out blue light from screens, which has been blamed for digital eye syndrome, there's no scientific evidence that blue light damages the eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, research indicates that blue-light-blocking glasses don't help ease computer vision syndrome, and the academy does not recommend their use.

If your eyes are bothering you, you may have a condition other than computer vision syndrome. There are many other reasons for your vision to be blurred or for your eyes to burn or look red.

If these symptoms persist, you should promptly visit an eye doctor to determine the actual cause of your symptoms.

For anyone with computer vision syndrome, tamping down on screen time is important. Doing the following may help:

Computer vision syndrome is an all too common fact of modern life associated with the use of devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. Unfortunately, too much screen time can lead to eye discomfort and even vision problems.

Strategies to alleviate computer vision syndrome include changing the lighting in the room, repositioning your computer, taking frequent breaks, and reducing screen time. See an eye specialist if your problems persist.

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Computer vision syndrome (digital eye strain).

Ranasinghe P, Wathurapatha WS, Perera YS, Lamabadusuriya DA, Kulatunga S, Jayawardana N, Katulanda P. Computer vision syndrome among computer office workers in a developing country: an evaluation of prevalence and risk factors. BMC Res Notes. 2016 Mar 9;9:150. doi: 10.1186/s13104-016-1962-1. PMID: 26956624; PMCID: PMC4784392.

Cedars Sinai. Computer vision syndrome.

NVision. Computer vision syndrome: What it is and how long does it last?

Penn Medicine. Computer vision syndrome.

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Are blue light-blocking glasses worth it?

Scripps. 8 tips to reduce screen time for adults.

By Maxine LipnerMaxine Lipner is a long-time health and medical writer with over 30 years of experience covering ophthalmology, oncology, and general health and wellness.