Study: AOA Advises Daily Computer Users of the Risk of Computer Vision Syndrome

The AOA advises Americans who use computers daily at work or at home that they should be aware of the possibility of computer vision syndrome (CVS), which leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eye strain, neck and/or backaches, light sensitivity and fatigue. These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor work station configuration or improper work habits. According to the AOA's American Eye-Q survey of 1,005 Americans 18 years and older, 82 percent of respondents frequently work with a computer or a handheld electronic device and 42 percent spent three or more hours a day in front of a computer or handheld device. Additionally, 78 percent of Americans do not have their computer monitor positioned at the correct height (below eye level). Pre-existing uncorrected vision problems like hyperopia and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities and age-related eye issues may contribute to CVS, and the constant refocusing effort required while working at a computer stresses the eye muscles, affecting individuals' comfort and productivity. Forty-one percent of survey respondents have experienced eye strain; 45 percent have had neck or back pain after prolonged computer or handheld device use. Although many of these symptoms are temporary, some may continue experiencing visual problems, such as such as blurred distance vision, even after computer work has stopped. Yet only 11 percent of respondents said that they currently use special computer glasses or computer screen filters to help reduce glare and discomfort. The AOA's guidelines for preventing or reducing computer vision syndrome include having vision checked regularly, limiting the amount of continuous time before the computer, checking the arrangement and height of the monitor, checking the screen for glare, reducing the amount of lighting in the room to match the screen and reminding oneself to blink frequently.