What is computer vision syndrome – and how can I prevent it?

For the millions of people who work in front of a screen, headaches, sore eyes and a painful neck are all too common. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to avoid discomfort

Do you sit in front of a screen at work for hours, then leave with a headache, sore, dry, blurry eyes and a painful neck? If so, welcome to computer vision syndrome (CVS), a condition just waiting to happen to those who use a screen for more than three hours a day. This happens to be quite a lot of us – about 70 million worldwide. At the risk of being alarmist, some researchers argue that CVS is the “No 1 occupational hazard of the 21st century”. But back pain, tension headaches and discomfort are not inevitable consequences of screen time – perhaps we should simply be more careful. At the very least, we should encourage our children to develop good screen habits.

A study of 642 students in Iran between the ages of 11 and 18 found that about 70% used computers for at least two hours a day. Up to half reported eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches. The symptoms were worse in those who were long- or short-sighted. While most got better quickly after coming way from the screen, some took a day to recover. About one-third sat too close to the screen.

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from Health & wellbeing | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1U8E96w
via health