Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment Overview in Los Angeles, Orange County & Inland Empire

Condition

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the name for eye problems that arise from staring at a screen (like a laptop, television or smartphone) for prolonged periods. Patients who have this condition may notice that they have difficulty focusing their eyes or that their eyes feel sore and tired after looking at a screen. They may also develop headaches, blurred vision and general fatigue.

Although experts are still actively researching computer vision syndrome in our increasingly digital world, the optometrists at Laser Eye Center already have the expertise to diagnose computer vision syndrome with a comprehensive eye examination. They can also recommend a course of treatment to improve the comfort of patients’ eyes and better protect their vision in the long term.

After diagnosing computer vision syndrome, our team of optometrists can devise a customized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms, which may include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and/or neck and shoulder pain. We also have found that the extent of the symptoms is often correlated with the level of our patients’ visual abilities as well as the time they spend staring at digital screens. 

Moreover, if glasses are worn for distance vision, reading or both, they may not provide the most efficient vision for viewing a computer screen given that the screen sits about 20 to 30 inches from the eyes. For this, modern LASIK has proven to be an excellent solution since our state-of-the-art technology platform is able to OUTPERFORM contacts and glasses in one in three cases. Additional treatments include iLux and BlephEx procedures, which are focused on the health of the eyes and tear film.

Most (though not all) cases of computer vision syndrome involve people who use prescription eyewear. For many patients, part of the solution may include adjusting the existing prescription or the way eyewear is used to help overcome digital eye strain. Ensuring the health of your meibomian glands — the oil-secreting glands that line your upper and lower eyelid and are core contributors to a healthy tear film — is also essential.

We will also provide you with recommendations such as modifying how long you look at screens, the lighting in the room, the distance you sit from the screen and the angle at which you look at the screen. Adjustments to specific behaviors can help to reduce the strain your eyes experience, even if you cannot cut down on the total time you look at a computer.

Informational Video for Computer Vision Syndrome

Technology

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