What is Computer Vision Syndrome (Digital Eye Strain)?

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What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Eye strain and symptoms caused by computer use is called Computer Vision Syndrome – a term used to describe a range of eye strain and pain.

What are the causes of Computer Vision Syndrome?

As you work at a computer, your eyes have to focus and refocus constantly. Your eye muscles need to make very precise movements to allow you to read and work smoothly. They may look up and down from the screen to other objects in the distance, and need to refocus closer to see your keyboard or other objects. All of this requires a great deal of effort from your eye muscles.

Additionally, screens can vary greatly in quality, contrast, refresh rate, and glare.

If you have an existing eyesight problem, working on a computer for a prolonged period of time can exacerbate it. So, it’s important to wear glasses if you have them. If you need glasses but don’t have them, or if you wear the wrong prescription for computer use, you might find you could be working much better after a proper assessment.

What are the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?

The most common place symptoms linked with Computer Vision Syndrome or digital eyestrain are:

  • Eyestrain.
  • Headaches.
  • Blurry eyesight.
  • Dry eyes.
  • Neck and shoulder ache.

These symptoms may be due to:

  • Inadequate lighting.
  • Brightness on a digital screen.
  • Wrong viewing distances.
  • Bad seating posture.
  • Uncorrected eyesight issues.
  • A mixture of these factors.

The degree to which people feel visual symptoms frequently changes on the level of their visual capabilities and the extent of time expended looking at a digital screen.

How can you treat Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer-related eye strain can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, age-related changes in vision can make symptoms more noticeable and potentially more challenging to manage over time.

From around the age of 40, the eye’s natural ability to focus on near objects gradually declines, a common condition known as presbyopia. This makes it harder to switch focus between screens, documents and objects at different distances, often increasing visual fatigue during extended digital device use.

If left unaddressed, these changes can contribute to the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome, including tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches and difficulty maintaining focus. For people experiencing increased screen-related discomfort, solutions such as HOYA BlueControl lenses can help enhance visual comfort by reducing glare and filtering selected blue light wavelengths from digital devices, supporting more comfortable vision throughout the day.

Eye Conditions

HOYA BlueControl lenses are designed to help make screen use more comfortable by filtering selected blue light wavelengths emitted by digital devices. Whether you’re working, studying or staying connected online, BlueControl lenses can help support more comfortable vision throughout the day.

What are the benefits of HOYA BlueControl?

  • Reduced digital eye strain
    Helps minimise common symptoms associated with extended screen use, including eye fatigue and dryness.
  • Enhanced visual comfort
    Reduces glare and reflections, helping your eyes stay comfortable and focused for longer.
Learn more about other eye conditions

Book an eye test

Regular eye tests are vital for early diagnosis as many eye conditions may be symptom-free for some time.

Eye health changes with age, and early detection helps protect your vision for the years ahead.

Book your next eye test with your trusted local, independent optometrist.

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