Computer Vision Syndrome
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Computer Eye Strain Treatment

| Modified on May 13, 2021
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What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

As society’s enthusiasm for computer usage increases so does the prevalence of computer related health conditions. One such condition is computer vision syndrome – a health condition so common and encompassing that it’s been given a name to fit its cause. Looking into the screen of a computer for multiple hours a day has a significant impact on the eye. From general eyestrain to pain, computer eye strain is the term given to any eye problem directly linked to extensive computer usage.

Similar in nature to carpal tunnel syndrome, computer vision syndrome is largely a repetitive use or stress injury. Common symptoms associated with the condition include blurred vision, double vision, dry eyes, red or irritated eyes, headaches, and neck or back pain. The condition is not linked to any long-term issues, such as cataracts; however, if left untreated, the symptoms can have a negative impact on overall work performance and general well-being.

The cause of computer vision syndrome is easily recognizable – continued computer use. Using a computer requires the continuous focusing of the eyes, constant moving back and forth across the screen, and aligning the sight of vision. All of these tasks require a great deal of effort for the eye muscles, causing the common strain.

Remedies for Computer Eye Strain

While computer vision syndrome typically is not a serious medical concern, it can impede productivity and general comfort. Many natural methods offer relief from pain and prevent further strain. Acupressure is one technique that can offer eye relief. The sides and front of the thumb joints are pressure points related to the eye, so applying pressure to them helps relieve strain. Adjusting the computer and work setting also helps prevent strain. Lowering the computer screen and adjusting the screen brightness are two simple ways to prevent computer eye strain and improve productivity when working on the computer regularly.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Acupressure

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Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Ohio) on 06/27/2012
 ★★★★★

For eyestrain, try acupressure. It actually works! I work at a computer ALL day for my job. Search Google "acupressure for eye strain" and you will find some articles demonstrating the points.

Acupressure
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 06/27/2012
 ★★★★★

Hi Wendy - Thanks so much for the acupressure technique for eye strain (yes, it indeed does work). I printed it out and posted it by my monitor as a reminder to do it. Best of health to you! Bess

Replied by Lim
(Singapore)
02/23/2016
★★★★★

Right after I pressed on the spots of my thumb, my eyes felt better. Very grateful to you.

Decrease Screen Brightness

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Posted by Steve (San Diego, Ca) on 09/13/2015
 ★★★★★

For the last three months I've had increasing eye strain from 'screen' activity. However, I figured out that it is LED backlit screens that are causing the symptoms.

I replaced my desktop's newer LED backlit monitor with an older CCFL (flourescent) and do not get the strain. I do get strain from my smartphone and iPad, both have LED backlighting.

Of course the problem may not be LED lighting itself but other optical layers in the screen design that alter the light.

I'll update this post after additional testing.

Decrease Screen Brightness
Posted by Solomon (Whitefield, Bury, England) on 04/13/2013
 ★★★★★

Works! Didn't realise until I read this but, yeah, I started lowering my screen brightness to 4 (outof 8)- exactly half.

What to do with your screen brightness is to get paper, ideally from a non-fiction reading book and just compare it with your screen, and lower your screen brightness until it matches the white"ness" and brightness of the paper. That way:

  • No Eye Strain
  • Prevents Long-Term Eye Damage
  • Improves sleep

Solomon

Decrease Screen Brightness
Posted by Angie (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/29/2010
 ★★★★★

I found that I was feeling dizzy after being on the computer all day, which would subside after I left work and come back the next day as soon as I got back on the computer. I looked on the net to find answers and I found that if you lower the brightness on your moniter it will help. I lowered mine to zero and haven't had any problems with feeling dizzy since then.

Lower the Computer Screen

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Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 09/21/2009
 ★★★★★

I strained my eyes a couple of weekend ago when I was re-titling hundreds of posts one at a time. First time I've done that and oh, it's not pleasant. I had a constant headache and my eyes, temples, and forehead felt "fried". I had to take frequent breaks and cover my eyes with a light blocking sleep mask.

Well, when the symptoms persisted over a week making me very cranky, I jumped online and went hunting for info. I discovered that there is actually a name for this type of eye strain! It's called Computer Vision Syndrome. I started some of the exercises I read on various websites, but nothing made my eyes feel better. I also let cold water from the shower run on my eyes for as long as I could take it. Helped a bit. I tried magnesium oil which definitely helped, albeit temporarily. But it seemed the minute I started back at the computer, the headache, dizziness, and nausea would start up again almost immediately.

I then had the intuitive thought to unhook my laptop from the external monitor and try working on it in another room. Within a day my eyes were back to normal. I figured out that what healed my eyes was that I was now gazing down at the computer screen, whereas before my eyes gazing upwards. I had put my computer monitor on a stand, thinking it was better for my eyes, but apparently this was one of the triggers. The other trigger was the hours and hours spent staring at the computer screen. Bad combination.

Replied by Drew W
(Ventura , Ca)
10/07/2010

I have had this problem for the past few months causing me to get very dizzy for most of the day. The office I work in have no windows and all we have are bright overhead lights and vents that constantly dry your eyes out. As soon as I go outside for lunch or to go home my vision is so much better but as of last week I've also had a headache that I get to take home. I'm not really sure what to do as my screen is already turned way down. Hopefully one of these days I will get an office with a window or better yet a job where I'm not in front of the computer all day.

Replied by Sally V.
(Atlanta, Ga)
06/26/2011
★★★★★

This worked for my granddaughter. At her intern ship, the computer was raised by two heavy textbooks. She complained to her mother and I that her eye was hurting her tremendously, and when she took down the two textbooks, her eye was back to normal!

Screen Brightness

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Posted by Nightfire The Mad Alchemist (Danville, Illinois, United States) on 03/10/2012
 ★★★★★

OMG, LMAO... Unreal but hey, let me explain my plight. I also suffered from the headaches, brain fog, sleepiness, etc. And was kinda scared because I am totally hooked on this site for some time now... But you see that was my problem. I had tried with great success many remedies on this site but was concerned because I was still getting these symptoms like every one here and nothing was working for me to get rid of them. So after reading these letters I said 'hmm' turned down the brightness on my computer and then grabbed my $1 dollar amber, anti glare glasses, and what do you know! Hahaha, some of my symptoms have already started to ease *grinning sheepishly*. Who knew apparently spending too much time on this site was causing 'so said' probs... 'oops' lmao, but now I know to take much needed breaks and to wear these glasses when I do sit at my compute. Peace Pibbles.

Replied by Kaylee
(Tigard)
05/13/2021
★★★★★

Lowering the brightness of the screen is a good idea I would highly recommend that people consider if you were eyeglasses or even reading glasses request that they add BLUE Light Blocking and anti-glare to your prescription/ reading glasses (usually no cost or few dollars) This is very important to the health of your eyes and especially if you work on computer for hours. Studies show that blue light going into your eyes disrupts the melatonin /serotonin levels and disrupts the body's circadian rhythm which can cause insomnia and other issues. Blue light is very damaging to the eye, please do the research. You can get the blue light blocking glasses on-line as well no prescription required


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