Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use.

Clinical features:

Ø  Characterized by visual symptoms which result from interaction with a computer display or its environment.

Ø  In most cases, symptoms occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform the task.

Ø  Contributing factors: Decreased blinking reflex, prolonged near focusing efforts, repeated head posture change/fixation in a wrong posture, environmental factors of computer workstations like contrast and resolution of the display, viewing distances and angles, room lighting, sustained viewing etc.

Ø  Symptoms include tiredness of eyes, headache, blurred near and distant vision, dry or irritated eyes, neck pain and/or backaches, diplopia (double vision), difficulty in re- focusing the eyes.

Ø  Diagnostic tests include tear film break-up time and Schirmer test. Cervical spondylitis, anxiety and migraine are the differential diagnosis.

Non- pharmacological treatment:

Counselling regarding the syndrome and work environment modification Steps for relieving computer eye strain

-  Get a computerized eye exam before start using computer. Repeat once a year.

-  Use proper lighting. Eliminate exterior light by closing drapes, shades or blinds. Reduce interior lighting by using lower intensity bulbs and tubes.

-  Minimize glare: To install an anti-glare screen on your monitor. Paint bright white walls a darker color with a matt finish.

-  Upgrade your display. Use LCD monitor instead of a CRT monitor.

- Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen.

-  Blink more often.

-  Exercise your eyes: Follow 20-20-20 rule i.e. after every 20 minutes, look at 20 feet distance for 20 seconds.

-  Take frequent breaks - two 15-minute breaks -four additional five- minute "minibreaks" throughout the work day (6-8 hrs).

-  Modify your workstation. Proper posture during computer work. Position computer

screen 20 to 24 inches from your eyes. The center of your screen should be about 10 to 15 degrees below your eyes. Top of the screen tilted back slightly (10-20 degree) away from the operator.

-  Consider customized eyeglasses specific for use during work on a computer screen. Anti- reflective coating in the lenses should be used and avoid contact lens use during computer work.

Pharmacological treatment:

1. Tear substitute should be considered if symptoms are aggravated during computer work. Commercially available tear substitutes include sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.