Vision occurs when light is processed by the eye and interpreted by the brain. Light passes through the transparent surface of the eye (the cornea).
The pupil, the black opening at the front of the eye, is an opening to the inside of the eye. In the 21st century, referred to as the information age, there is an increased use of computers and other digital gadgets, including but not limited to mobile phones that are used daily in offices and homes. Some of these digital devices with screens create health problems for users.
One such digital use problem, which causes eye problems, is called computer vision syndrome (CVS), which according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is increasingly affecting people who constantly use computers, mobile phones and other digital devices for work .
Continuous viewing of digital screens can affect the eye. However, most eye health professionals have not yet found CVS to be a cause of permanent eye damage, even though the resulting pain and discomfort can affect work performance.
With a few preventive measures, however, the symptoms associated with CVS can be easily erased. Although computer vision syndromes are becoming a major public health problem, less emphasis is placed on them, especially in developing countries.
Public education is important in this regard. This is the impetus for this article.
Definition
CVS is also called Digital Eye Strain (DES). It is a phenomenon linked to the ever-increasing use of digital screens. It affects a large number of people, including children. Identifying the causative and mitigating factors of CVS can help establish appropriate countermeasures.
The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, has forced more virtual meetings that have workers and students using computer screens for days at a time. According to an empirical study, approximately 74 percent of participants experienced CVS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on this finding, it is necessary to implement preventive and therapeutic measures to reduce the risk of developing CVS and improve the quality of life of digital screen users.
So what is CVS? Basically, it is the collective term used to describe eye problems related to or caused by prolonged viewing of computer and other digital screens. These eye problems can be dry eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes and blurred vision. Gradually, these visual problems result from excessive use of the computer and other visual display devices. They are quite a serious concern for eye care professionals.
In other words, the term CVS is collectively applied to a set of different symptoms in computer users who either habitually or are forced to use computers for long periods of time during the day and night.
Children and students of any age have also gradually shifted to computer-based learning, believing it to be a better option than classroom instruction. It is therefore recommended that long-term digital screen users be aware of the prevalence, pathophysiology, factors associated with, and prevention or minimization of CVS.
Causes, symptoms and diagnosis
(CVS) syndrome includes various visual and non-visual symptoms among computer users who use these devices for an unreasonably long period of time. The main cause of CVS includes improper environment and improper use of glasses or contact lenses.
Computer screen use results in reduced eye blinking, while the straight-ahead gaze required to look at a screen exposes the eye more to the air. This occurrence causes the eye to dry out and itch much faster than usual, especially when a contact lens rests on the cornea.
Once frequent blinking is not enough to eliminate dryness and itching, an eye care professional may prescribe eye drops specifically for contact lenses.
Symptoms of CVS include eye irritation (dry, itchy and red eyes), blurred vision, double vision, back, neck and shoulder pain (due to poor alignment and posture when using a computer or digital device), headaches and muscle fatigue , including .
Most of these symptoms are short-term (temporary). Symptoms often decrease or disappear when the affected person stops using the computer or digital device. In some cases, symptoms may continue for a longer period of time.
Although CVS has not been found to cause permanent damage to the eye, its painful symptoms can affect performance at work and at home. Fortunately, eye health professionals have found several ways to prevent CVS from affecting computer users.
When it comes to diagnosing CVS, eye health professionals make a diagnosis with a health history and a complete eye exam. They usually assess whether any health problems, medications, or environmental factors may be adding to the symptoms listed here.
Treatment
Treatment for CVS involves looking away from the digital screen for at least 20 minutes. enlarge the texts on the computer or phone screen. reduce glare from light sources in your environment. remember to blink often; determine the height of your chair so that your feet can rest comfortably on the floor. Do not fall over the computer screen, use lubricating drops. treatment of allergies, if you have them.
Others create a more fluid work environment. drink more fluids (stay hydrated), take a prescription medicine to increase tear production, use blue blocks or photochromic lenses.
conclusion
In the 21st century, computers and other visual display devices have definitely brought a huge change in our way of life. This leads to an alarmingly high incidence of serious visual problems associated with prolonged use of such digital equipment with displays.
These computer eye problems are collectively called Computer Vision Syndrome or Digital Eye Strain. Screen users should avoid prolonged viewing of such screens.
The author is a Hospital Director
Email: afetikorto@yhaoo.com