Computer Vision Syndrome: How can you protect your eyes?

“The most common occupational hazard of the 21st century is computer vision syndrome (CVS), which affects over 70% of computer users.”

–Tropical Medicine and Health 

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a collection of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use. Symptoms of CVS can include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.

When using a computer or another digital screen device, we may blink only 5-7 times a minute instead of 15 times. Getting dry and irritated is exacerbated when you forget to blink.

What are 20 20 20 rules for an eye?

The rule says that for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, a person should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The 20-20-20 rule is a general eye exercise to help reduce eye strain, but it does not target the specific symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome. There has been little scientific research testing the effectiveness of the 20-20-20 rule, and both the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommend it.

How To prevent Computer Vision Syndrome?

The condition is not found to cause any permanent damage to the eyes, but its painful symptoms may limit a person’s performance at work or at home. However, eye health professionals have found several ways to avoid CVS. You can follow these rules…

• It is essential to take regular breaks from looking at screens.
• Make sure that your screen position is 20-30 inches away from your face, and ensure that your eyes are level with the very top of your monitor.
• Adjust the lighting in your workspace.
• You must avoid low-contrast text/background color schemes.
• Make sure your computer monitor is at the correct distance from your eyes.
• It is important to practice good eye health habits, such as using a computer glasses prescription, and lubricating eye drops.
• If you worked two hours continuously on a computer or laptop, give rest your eyes for 15 minutes.
• See natural colors or outside greenery, like plants, trees, flowers, or ponds. It will soothe your eyes.
• In your working space, add green or colorful live plants for changing the focus of your eyes.
• Install a humidifier in your office or room, if you set a heat temperature during cold winters.
• Taking regular eye exams is a must.
• Do eye exercises and yoga.
• Stay active.

According to the National Library of Medicine Research Paper, “This worldwide issue requires immediate attention. Long-term computer use has been linked to significant visual impairments, particularly in people who use computers and similar gadgets for extended periods.”

Read more details on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9730965/

What are the nutritional strategies for Computer Vision Syndrome?

There are also two eye-friendly carotenoids in many yellow, orange, and green leafy vegetables, and fruits, which may be helpful in treating computer vision syndrome. Also, you can eat nuts and fish, which are rich in  omega-3 fatty acids.

Additionally, you can take Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Collards, kale, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnut, and most important water. Read, what should you bring in your plate at https://journals-times.com/2022/08/26/make-my-plate-chart-a-part-of-your-daily-routine-to-boost-your-health/

To improve eye health, you can do eye yoga exercises. It will help to overcome various eye-related problems. You can check this website to read yoga exercises in detail at https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/yoga/benefits/eye-yoga

Other than this, There are some other tips to improve your eye health. The most important thing is getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, doing exercises, avoid drinking and smoking.