Computer Vision Syndrome

Some 100 million American workers are affected by computer eyestrain, a symptom of Computer Vision Syndrome.  March is Eye Safety in the Workplace month, and as our nation has moved from a manufacturing society to an information society, Computer Vision Syndrome has become a workplace concern.  While prolonged computer use will not damage vision, it can make you uncomfortable and decrease productivity.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is caused by the eyes constantly focusing and refocusing on the characters on a computer screen. These characters don’t have the contrast or well-defined edges like printed words and the eyes’ focus cannot remain fixed.  Symptoms of CVS include headaches, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, blurred vision and neck or shoulder pain.

CVS can be partially alleviated by changes in the ergonomics of the work area.  Proper lighting and monitor placement can go a long way toward reducing CVS, as can giving your eyes frequent “breaks” from the computer.  But the underlying cause of CVS – the ability of the eyes to focus on the computer screen – may only be remedied by specialized computer glasses.

A comprehensive eye exam, including questions about a person’s computer use habits is the first step.  If we determine that vision correction for computer use is required, we can prescribe computer lenses that are designed to improve your vision in the 18” – 28” range, the optimal distance between your eyes and the computer monitor.

Vision & Special Needs Kids

Kids with special needs can have a myriad of vision problems.  We are proud to have the capability, equipment and expertise to diagnose and treat these difficulties.

Developmental disorders arise in some stage of a child's development.  They are often grouped into:

• Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)
       Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
            Autism (39% of ASD)
            Asperger Syndrome (14% of ASD)         
            PDD-Not Otherwise Specified, NOS (32% of ASD)
       Rett Syndrome
       Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)     
• Specific Developmental Disorders (SDD)
       Specific Learning Disabilities
       Developmental Coordination Disorders

I came across a very nice blog today written by Pat Wyman (HowToLearn.com).  She wrote an excellent piece on how optometric vision therapy can help reading problems in autism.  I believe you will find her article very informative.  Access it by clicking HERE. 

Visual Difficulties after Brain Injury (Video)

Vision problems are among the most common problems associated with acquired brain injuries.   Causes of brain injury can include trauma, auto accidents, suffocation, drug reaction and strokes.  Initially symptoms may be subtle but often become more of a concern with time. Specific problems can include poor memory, disorientation, loss of reading skills or poor word recall.

Common visual symptoms after brain injury include:

• Double vision
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness or nausea
• Attention or concentration difficulties
• Staring behavior (low blink rate)
• Spatial disorientation
• Lose place when reading
• Can't find beginning of next line when reading
• Comprehension problems when reading
• Visual memory problems
• Pulling away from objects when they are brought close

Unfortunately conventional ophthalmological treatment for these difficulties is many times limited.  I have seen a number of patients told to cover one eye with a patch if they have double vision!!  Others with slow reading speed have been told to get books on tape!!  Some with attention and concentration difficulties are told to just accept it.

These difficulties can often be helped through the use of specialized lenses/prisms and/or optometric vision therapy.  If you have concerns for yourself or a relative, give me a call so we can discuss it further.


--James B. Mayer, OD, FCOVD
     Agape Learning & Optometry Center
     Thousand Oaks, CA