Computer Vision Syndrome & Digital Eye Strain

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What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

The average adult in the UK spends a staggering 76% of their waking hours online.¹

Perhaps this shouldn’t be a surprise—digital devices including laptops, tablets and smartphones have become an essential part of how we connect with the world; at work, in education and for much of our social lives.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain, is what may happen if you spend too much time on computers and other devices.² In this article, we’ll look at how it could affect your eye health – and what you can do to protect your eyes from computer screens.

Causes and symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

You’ve got to get that important report done by close of play, so you spend all day perched intently in front of your computer, staring at the screen as you furiously type.

It’s a common scenario for many of us across the UK. But this kind of activity could be putting you at risk of severe digital eye strain, or Computer Vision Syndrome.

This is where viewing digital screens for long periods may cause you to experience visual problems and eye discomfort. That’s because computers or digital screens often make your eyes work harder than normal.³

How common is computer vision syndrome?

In the UK, more than 60% of office workers experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome.⁴ Yet research from Eye Health UK suggests that 19 million British people miss routine eye tests that may help to identify it.⁵

Typical symptoms include:

Eye discomfort. Burning, itching, dryness or the sensation of something in your eye
Sensitivity to bright lights
A headache that’s behind your eyes
Difficulty keeping your eyes open
Blurred vision.

What are the causes of computer vision syndrome?

Various factors can lead you to develop CVS, when you use digital devices frequently.

Eye Strain

Our eyes focus, in part, by using small muscles to change the shape of the lens inside our eye. When you focus on any one object for too long, those muscles can feel strained.

As a result, staring at a screen for hours on end can cause feelings of discomfort, fatigue, headaches, blurry vision and even double vision—all symptoms of eye strain from a computer.

These feelings of digital eye strain can be exacerbated by other issues such as screen glare, poor screen contrast, poor coordination between your two eyes, and sitting too close or too far from screens. Uncorrected astigmatism, farsightedness, and presbyopia may also cause eye strain when using digital screens.

Dry eyes

Blinking tends to be something we do without even thinking about it, but it plays a vital role in our vision and eye comfort. When we stare at screens, we blink up to 60% less.⁶

Since blinking is what helps keep our eyes moist, not blinking enough can lead to dry eyes. Also, the tear film of the eye helps keep vision clear, so aside from discomfort, dry eyes can also contribute to blurry vision.

Blue violet light exposure

Digital screens give off high energy, short-wavelength, blue and violet light, and there is concern from some scientists that exposure to these rays from LEDs and screens may affect your vision.

While there’s no scientific consensus⁷ on the matter for now, be sure to talk to your Eye Care Professional about any concerns.

They may recommend things such as blue-light filtering glasses or contact lenses, changing your screen settings, and taking more frequent breaks.

Nearsightedness

Extensive time spent on close eye work, including focusing on digital screens, books, and other up-close objects, can be a risk factor for myopia development in children.⁸

Constant refocusing

While using a screen, you may have to constantly focus and refocus to see text as you scroll, which can cause digital eye strain symptoms.²

Screen contrast levels

There’s usually a low contrast level between the background and the letters you read on a screen. This forces your eyes to work harder.²

Diagnosis of computer vision syndrome

Computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, can be diagnosed through a series of comprehensive eye examinations.

These may include:

Tips to protect your eyes from computer screens

If you’re concerned you may be at risk of computer vision syndrome, there are some simple practical steps you can take.

Tips to help dryness of your eyes

Practice blinking

Since staring at screens reduces your rate of blinking, you may have to build the habit of blinking more frequently.

Use artificial tears

Artificial tears can relieve dry eye symptoms for a short period of time.

Improve your environment

Depending on where you live, you could be experiencing the effects of air pollution and/or low humidity. Air purifiers and humidifiers can help with these issues.

Tips for managing nearsightedness

Take frequent breaks from close eye work
Spend more time outside to limit your screen time, taking a walk on a lunchtime rather than eating at your desk, for example
Schedule a regular eye test
Consider using specialised lenses or glasses for nearsightedness

Can computer vision syndrome go away?

Reducing screen time can often alleviate the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.

However, if frequent use of digital devices is necessary, symptoms may persist or get worse over time. As such, managing your screen time is important.²

When in doubt, talk to your Optician

These days, screens are a fact of life, but the impact on your eyes doesn’t have to be.

In addition to our tips above, talk to an Eye Care Professional if you have any questions or concerns. And don’t forget to schedule regular eye tests to ensure that your eyes are healthy and functioning properly.

Find an Optician

Computer vision syndrome FAQs

How long does it take for computer vision syndrome to go away?

Everyday eye strain may go away within an hour of your last interaction with a digital screen.¹⁰ Computer vision syndrome can be more persistent if you’ve spent long periods of time staring at digital devices. But with careful management and less screen time, its symptoms can be easily reduced as well.

Is digital eye strain permanent?

While digital eye strain and Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) haven’t been conclusively linked to permanent eye damage, the associated discomfort experienced with them can hinder workplace productivity and reduce the enjoyment of everyday activities at home.¹¹

Can you treat computer vision syndrome at home?

Absolutely, you can. Try taking regular screen breaks and resting your eyes when using your computer or device for long periods – ideally looking away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

About the author

Giovanna E. Olivares, OD, FAAO is the Global Director, Specialty Platforms Research & Development, at Johnson & Johnson. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the strategy, design, and development of new products to support the company’s global Astigmatism and Presbyopia platforms.

References:

Consult your Eye Care Professional for more information.  Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

^T&Cs apply: 1 trial per person. 18+. Professional consultation and fitting fees may apply and are not included. Subject to Optician approval. Participating Opticians only. See full terms and conditions.

Important Information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For detailed information on proper wear, care, warnings and precautions, talk to your Eye Care Professional and carefully read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website https://www.e-ifu.com/

*Filtering of HEV light by contact lenses has not been demonstrated to confer any systemic and/or ocular health benefit to the user. The Eye Care Professional should be consulted for more information.

Bionic. How Much Do We Rely on Wi-Fi in 2024. Published 17th June 2024. Available at: https://bionic.co.uk/business-connectivity/guides/how-much-do-brits-rely-on-wi-fi-2024/
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Association of Optometrists. Research Suggests 19 Million British People Missing Routine Eye Tests. Published 24th September 2024. Available at: https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/news/2024/09/24/research-suggests-19-million-british-people-missing-routine-eye-tests
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American Academy of Ophthalmology. Should You Be Worried About Blue Light. Published 10th March 2021. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/should-you-be-worried-about-blue-light
Huang HM, Chang DS, Wu PC. The Association between Near Work Activities and Myopia in Children-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 20;10(10):e0140419
NHS. Visiting an Opticians. Reviewed 4th May 2023. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/visiting-an-optician/
Healthline. How Long Can Eye Strain Last Published 21st September 2021. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/how-long-does-eye-strain-last#how-long-it-lasts
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