Computer Vision Syndrome

Abstract

Using of computers and other video display terminals (VDTs), such as laptops, smart phones, tablets, e-readers, and even watches, are part of our everyday life and more and more users are experiencing a variety of ocular and non-ocular symptoms related to computer use. These complaints include eyestrain, tired eyes, headaches, eye irritation, eye redness, itching, blurred vision, double vision, dry eye, and neck, back, and shoulder pain as extra-ocular issues, which have been termed computer vision syndrome (CVS). Based on pieces of evidence, between 64% and 90% of computer users experience visual symptoms. Children are also affected as they spend many hours each day using digital devices with visual displays for doing schoolwork, especially after starting the COVID-19 era, playing video games, and sending and receiving text messages on cell phones. With the increased use of these electronic devices, CVS is becoming a major public health issue. Proper identification of symptoms and causative factors is necessary for the accurate diagnosis and management. There are some strategies for reducing the complaints related to prolonged use of digital screen devices.