What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

THE PROBLEM:
It is estimated that over 175 million working Americans suffer from computer eyestrain. Nearly 60 million children connect to the Internet each day either at home or in school. If you or your child spend more than two hours each day in front of a computer screen, you likely experience some symptoms of computer vision syndrome or CVS:

• Headaches
• Loss of focus
• Burning/tired eyes
• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Neck and shoulder pains

CVS is caused by our eyes and brain reacting differently to characters on the screen than they do to printed characters. Until now, traditional eye exams for near vision have resulted in eyewear suited for reading printed material, not for viewing computer screens.

  

	What is CVS?
	• The Problem • The Solution • Frequently Asked Questions • Customer Testimonials • 9 Ways to Prevent Computer Eyestrain

Our eyes respond well to most printed material, which is characterized by its dense black characters with well-defined edges which contrast markedly from their light background. Healthy eyes can easily maintain focus on the printed page.

Characters on a computer screen, however, don't have this contrast, or well-defined edges. These characters are brightest at their centers and diminish in intensity toward their edges. Our eyes are unable to maintain focus and remain on plane with these images. They instead drift out to a point called the resting point of accommodation (RPA).

Our eyes constantly move to the RPA, and then strain to regain focus on the screen. This continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles creates fatigue and the burning, tired eyes feeling.

What can be done?