What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
The American Optometric Association defines Computer vision Syndrome (CVS):
Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as Digital Eye Strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.
Common symptoms of CVS are headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
These symptoms may be caused by poor lighting, glare on a digital screen, improper viewing distances, poor seating posture, uncorrected vision problems, or a combination of these factors. Some of these issues can be solved by properly positioning yourself in front of your screen, blinking frequently, shifting your focus from near to far, and obvious;y, getting an eye exam to determine whether or not you need correction.
These are the ways that CVS symptomes are usually addressd:
1. Improper Viewing Distances - Example: Wearing a pair of up-close reading glasses for computer distance (intermediate) can result in most CVS symptoms. It is very important that your eyeglasses correct your vision at the distance you are viewing. This relates of course to:
2. Uncorrected Vision Problems- If you are suffering from CVS then the first thing to do is to get an eye exam. Your ECP can tell you exactly what lens corrections you need for your particular situation. It may be that you only require simple low-power readers. It may be that you need correction for astigmatism, need different powers in both eyes, computer bifocals or progressive lenses.
3. Glare from computer screens- This is usually addressed with eyeglasses that have an anti-reflective (AR) coating or a light tint, or both.
4. Poor Lighting- When using a computer it is important to have an external light source and to frequently shift your focus from your computer screen to something far away. This is a basic way to train or exercise your eyes so that they can more easily accomodate to different viewing distances.
5. Poor Seating Posture- This is the cause of neck and shoulder pain. There are many ways to address. See below.
6. Combination of Symptoms- For everything you need to know about CVS, the causes, and solutions, please see this article by the American Optometric Association on Computer Vision Syndrome (Takes you off site.)
Computer Vision Syndrome and Blue Light
At this point in time the issues people are having with blue light are not officially listed as a part of Computer Vision Syndrome but I believe this will soon change. A certain part of the blue light spectrum emitted by computer screens and tablets has been shown to cause symptoms like insomnia and eyestrain. Blue light is definitely a related CVS issue and should be included. Why? Well, if eye care practitioners address only the defined CVS problems and not blue light, then many patients will continue to suffer.
More and more eye care practitioners are becoming aware of the blue light issues and are recommending that their patients get eyeglasses with either a blue block AR coating or blue block tint as opposed to the standard AR coatings and tints. Reflections from computers screens and glare are addressed as well as filtering or reflecting off bad blue light.
How Mojo BluBlock AR and Mojo BluBlock Tints Address CVS and Blue Light Problems
Lets assume that you have done what you can to address the problems listed above and find that you need eyeglasses. We provide several eyeglass solutions for people that need CVS/Blue Light protection.
BluBlock AR Coatings - These anti-reflective coatings not only cut the glare from computer screens but also reflects off unwanted blue light. Our Mojo BluBlock AR Coating is an option on all of our single vision reading glasses. Our APEX BluBlock AR-T is a blue block anti-reflective coating plus a light 1% amber tint for increased contrast. It is an option on all of our full frame single vision reading glasses.
Mojo BluBlock Tints - Available in 3 colors and 4 depths, our Mojo BluBlock Tints provide a reduction in glare depending on the depth of tint you choose as well as filtering out bad blue light. These tints are available as an option with all of our single vision reading glasses and also our Bifocal Reading Glasses, and Computer Bifocals.
Monitor Glasses - Monitor glasses have no magnification. Shop for a frame, select zero power for each eye, then select either Mojo BluBlock AR or one of our three Mojo BluBlock Tints.
Prescription Eyeglasses - If you need prescription glasses for distance, computer or tablet use, we offer both our BluBlock AR Coatings and Tint solutions. Our Rx lenses are very affordable at only $10.00 more than our regular reading options. Check it out!
Resources and Links:
See our BluBlock Guide for help in selecting the right blue block option option for you.
About BluBlock AR Coatings
About Mojo BluBlock Tints
American Optometric Association on Computer Vision Syndrome (Takes you off site.)
All about Blue Light and Our Blue Block Solutions
BlueLightExposed.com - (Takes you off site.) An awareness campaign website started in 2014 sponsored by Essilor Canada, Nikon Optical Canada Inc, and Shamir Optical Industry LTD. This site has all kinds of great information related to blue light, and protecting your vision.
Prescription vs. Non-Prescription Reading Glasses