6 ways to tackle Computer Vision Syndrome

For many of us, sitting in front of a screen for over three hours a day is simply the norm. But if you’re leaving work with blurry and sore eyes and a banging headache, you may be suffering with a legitimate condition: Computer Vision Syndrome.

Researchers have stated that the condition is the biggest occupational hazard of the 21st century and it affects around 70 million of us worldwide. Computer Vision Syndrome is probably affecting your work performance and productivity more than you realise too, with the main symptoms being blurred or double vision, itching and dry eyes as well as neck and back pain.

So what can we do to tackle CVS? Here are six things to start doing right now…

1. The 20-20-20 rule apparently works a treat with CVS. It is the concept that you take a 20 second break from your screen every 20 minutes, so if that’s stepping out of the office for a short while, talking to a colleague or just looking out of the window, it’s worth doing as it gives chance for your eyes to have a screen break.

2. It might sound daft, but you need to remember to blink! When you’re staring at a screen every day, it’s actually easy to just not blink for long periods of time. By blinking often, you can moisten your eyes and therefore reduce irritation.

3. If you’re suffering from CVS, you need to consider what you’re actually looking at every day. By using a flat screen with anti-glare filters, you will find the work day much easier. If you use glasses, you ought to consider lenses that reduce glare and your eyes will be much less irritated.

4. How close are you sat to your screen? If your chin is pretty much resting on the keyboard, no wonder your vision is being affected! The best way to tackle CVS is by looking down at your screen rather than have it at eye level and your screen should be at least 44-66cm (18-26in) away from your face. Also make sure that you’re sat in a proper chair, with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.

5. If your work is being affected by CVS in the office, simply get up and take a five minute walk every hour or so. It may mean that you don’t get something done as quick, but what you do get done will be much better quality, which is probably what your boss would prefer from you anyway. By leaving your desk for a short while, you’ll have time to be away from a glaring screen.

6. Once you leave work, try not to spend another six hours staring at even more screens as it’s not going to help at all. Only look at your phone and tablet when you need to and try and spend your commute home reading a book or do a bit of people watching to pass the time rather than scrolling down social media or answering more emails.

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