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3 MIN. READ
Work requirements have changed greatly over the last 50 years. One of the most widespread changes is the use of computers for extended periods of the workday. While this has greatly improved efficiency and productivity, it has also led to a number of physical problems in employees, including lower back issues from sitting all day and carpal tunnel syndrome from constant keyboard use. A lesser-known but also problematic condition that affects the eyes and vision has also been on the rise: computer vision syndrome.
While your employees may not be able to avoid extensive computer use, you can provide them with a better environment that helps lessen the effects of computer vision syndrome, and Vision Care Direct can help you.
What is computer vision syndrome?
This isn’t just one problem or symptom but is instead made up of a variety of eye conditions related to extended screen time. Studies have shown this condition to occur in up to 90% of workers who spend a long period of time in front of the computer screen.
This condition appears because of the repetitive movements of the eye while reading information on a computer screen and because of the constant focusing and refocusing of the eyes while shifting from the screen to non-computer work. Screen glare and working in poor light can exacerbate the problem. In addition, when your employees look at a screen, they blink less, so their eyes have a tendency to get very dry and itchy.
What are the symptoms?
Many people experience signs of computer vision syndrome without identifying it as a syndrome. Symptoms can include headaches, blurred or double vision, dry eyes, and pain in the neck and shoulders from hunching over to look at the screen. For employees who already have vision problems, including older workers who have presbyopia, the symptoms may be even worse.
For most people, these symptoms go away when they stop looking at a screen. However, for other people, the symptoms persist even when they stop using a computer. Continued use of screens can even worsen the symptoms over time.
As an employer, what can you do to help reduce the problems your employees may experience because of this syndrome?
Diagnosis and treatment
Computer vision syndrome can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. The optometrist or opthalmologist will take a patient history, check the patient’s vision and may even check to see how the eyes are working together. Based on this exam, the provider can determine whether the employee has computer vision syndrome and how they can get symptom relief.
Some treatment options may be physical, such as improving the lighting, adjusting the distance between the eyes and the computer, or taking “eye breaks” after extended periods of computer use. Other options may include eyewear that is used solely when using the computer or an adjustment to a current prescription based on the amount of time your employee spends on the computer.
Vision Care Direct supports computer users
Vision Care Direct offers plans for comprehensive eye examinations that diagnose computer vision syndrome. Because we are owned by physicians (not an insurance company), we strive to put patient health over profits. We want your employees’ eyes to be as healthy as possible and help them get solutions for their computer-related vision problems.
In addition to providing vision plans for eye exams, we also offer savings on contact lenses and eyeglasses that are specialized for those who spend long hours using computers. This may include blue light filters that ease the effect of computer lighting on the eyes. Our goal is to ensure that your employees’ eyes can do the work they need to do with minimum discomfort.
While computer use on the job is pretty much inevitable for many employees, there are ways you can make that time easier on their eyes. Vision Care Direct will help your employees find the best solution for their computer-related eye issues. To learn more, contact us today.
