Getting Treatment for Computer Vision Syndrome

Are you an avid computer or mobile phone user? Who isn’t nowadays? These wonders of technology connect us like we’ve never been connected before. Unfortunately, spending so much time looking at a screen can take a toll on your eyes.

Computer vision syndrome is quite common, with as many as 50 to 90 percent of those who work with computers experiencing symptoms, like headaches, eyestrain, and dry eyes. Fortunately, optometry is keeping up with the times so computer vision syndrome is treatable. Keep in mind though that there may be more going on than just overworked eyes, since vision problems can affect how your brain processes incoming information. In these instances, the treatment approach is different.

Read on as a doctor from our Washington, DC optometry vision therapy center explains computer vision syndrome and the various ways it’s treated.

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome encompasses a range of issues that cause eyestrain and discomfort. Staring at a digital screen for long periods can affect different people in different ways depending on your situation. For instance, some people may need to upgrade their glasses or contact prescription while others may be experiencing eye-tracking problems.

Where your vision is concerned, working with digital devices is a repetitive task that requires your eyes to focus and refocus on near-tasks, following the same path over and over. If your eyes have difficulty tracking or following text or numbers across the screen, this can make it harder for your brain to process incoming information. So you’re not only dealing with eyestrain but also eyes-brain coordination. Treatments for computer vision syndrome are designed to address this, and also other factors that may be contributing to the problem.

Treatments for Computer Vision Syndrome

A comprehensive eye examination is the first step to finding the treatment that’s right for you. This may include:

Going over your medical history and current lifestyle
Testing your visual acuity
Refraction testing to determine if nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism is a factor
Eye movement tests to determine how your eyes move and work together

Considering how near-task intensive working with computers can be, eye movements tests, in particular, can reveal underlying issues that often go unnoticed by standard eye exams. Problems with eye focusing and eye coordination can’t be fully corrected by contact lenses or eyeglasses. In these instances, vision therapy treatment offers the best approach for helping relieve symptoms caused by computer vision syndrome.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please feel free to call our Washington, DC optometry vision therapy center today.