People are using computers more and more in the workplace, at home, and in the educational setting. Due to this increase in use, there has been an assortment of vision-related complaints coming from computer users. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the general term used to describe the variety of vision-related symptoms that may be caused or aggravated by regular use of a computer for two or more hours a day. This is mainly a problem related to near vision stress. This problem is caused by the eyes reacting differently to computer screens than they do to printed letters. Computer screens create letters out of pixels or dots, which are fuzzy on the edges. Our eyes have trouble keeping the letters clear, constantly refocusing and overworking our eye muscles. This strain on the focusing muscles causes fatigue, which cause an array of symptoms.

Having 20/20 vision is not a guarantee that you will not have the symptoms of CVS Computer Vision Syndrome can be an acute disorder or a chronic disorder, which affects the ocular acuity and general health of virtually all computer users. Contact lens wearers, whose ophthalmic prescription corrects only for distance viewing, may suffer from CVS as well as those with uncorrected vision. According to experts, CVS must be placed in the Categories of cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive strain injury. Everyone who uses a computer is at risk for eyestrain and CVS

It is necessary to identify if you may be suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome.

Take time to evaluate if you may indeed be one of the many people with the signs and symptoms of CVS, by taking the Computer Vision Stress Test.

	Computer Vision Stress Test (Which of these applies?)
			tired eyes
			eyestrain
			sore eyes
			red eyes
			burning eyes
			dry eyes
			headaches
			intermittent blurred near vision
			occasional blurred distance
			vision sluggishness in changing the focus of your eyes
			contact lens discomfort
			changes in color perception
			glare sensitivity
			excessive tear production
			neck, shoulder and back aches or pain
If your work or recreation involves prolonged use of computers and you checked two or more of the symptoms listed in the Computer Vision Stress Test, it is recommended that you have a diagnostic test to either confirm or rule out Computer Vision Syndrome.

Computer Vision Syndrome, once recognized, is fairly easy to correct. Recently, revolutionary diagnostic equipment has been designed to properly evaluate the computer user who is suffering from the symptoms of CVS To begin, anyone who suspects CVS, or who works at a computer several hours a day, should have a thorough eye exam that includes a CVS diagnostic test. Make sure your optometrist or ophthalmologist knows that you use a computer regularly. If it is determined by your ophthalmologist or optometrist, that you have the signs/symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome, specialized glasses will be prescribed specifically for you, in addition these lenses will possess tints, coatings, and filters to combat the glare and other ill effects associated with computer use.

Keep near computer as a reminder and for convenience!

Another issue that contributes to the problems associated with CVS is the tendency to blink less frequently, which may lead to dry eyes. The eye has a tear film, which coats the outer layer of the eye. This tear film is very important for the lubrication and comfort of the eye as well as for the clarity of vision. Dry eye is not caused by a lack of tear production. In fact, a person with dry eye symptoms can still make so many tears that they may complain of wet eyes and tearing. This is because the dryness causes the eye to produce more tears in an effort to replace the tear film. Dry eye symptoms include burning, stinging or a gritty sensation, which may come and go depending on many factors. Itching, tearing and light sensitivity may also occur. Occasionally long strings of mucus can be stretched from a dry eye. Blinking is very important for the maintenance of the tear film. The consistent use of TheraTears™, available from the website WWW.OKLAHOMAEYES.COM or by calling toll free 1-877-2-OK-EYES, can soothe the eyes and give temporary relief. For best results, use several times during prolonged periods of computer use and as needed.

Below is a list of environmental changes that will make your computer using experience more enjoyable:

Computer workstation ergonomics for optimum comfort and health.

• Tilt the screen to make it closer to perpendicular to overhead lighting
• Close drapes or turn screen away from window
• Use a good quality anti-glare screen
• You should be about 20-24 inches from the monitor
• Paper should be about the same distance from you as the screen, to avoid frequent re-focusing. A paper holder may help.
• Regularly dust the screen
• Contrast is adequate to produce sharply defined images on the screen.

Also remember to:
• • Take regular breaks.
• Get plenty of rest.
• See your Ocular Hygienist quarterly.