Introduction
Now-a days computer has become a part of life, with this increased use of computers certain health problems occurs to the vision which is nothing but a “computer vision syndrome”
Definition
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a temporary condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer display for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time.
Aetiology
- Improper lighting of computer room.
- Improper monitor height.
- Incorrect distance from eyes to screen.
- Improper brightness and contrast of computer screen.
- Failure to blink frequently
Pathogenesis
Trying near focusing for long hours causes strain on ciliary muscles of eye and finally the patient feels heaviness on eyes. Blinking is necessary to keep eyes moist and relaxed .Less blinking causes excess of evaporation and leads to dry eye. Constant working on computer for long hours, focusing on computer screen, ultimately leads to decreased blinking reflex. Normal blink rate in human eye is 16-20/minute. During constant computer use, it decreases to as 6-8 blink /minute.
Clinical features
- Eyestrain, blurred vision
- Headaches and heaviness of head
- Redness, dry or burning eyes, increases in near sightedness.
- Change in color perception, and slow refocusing.
- Excessive fatigue, neck, shoulder and back pain.
- Dizziness or nausea
Precautions and prevention
- Breaks are important: short, frequent breaks or longer, less frequent breaks. Try 2-3 minutes every 15-20minutes, 5minutes every 30 minutes, or 10 minutes every hour.
- Doing eye exercises every hour are important.
- Setting up computer correctly: The proper viewing distance is 20-24 inches. The correct viewing angle is 10-20 degrees from the midscreen to the top of the screen.
- Using a good monitor: usually the higher the resolution is the better option.
- Using proper posture: this includes a tucked in chin, slight curve at the neck rather than a forward head and neck, a straight upper back with only a slight roundedness, and hollow in the low back.
- Bright rooms: making sure overall illumination of the room is no more than three times brighter than the screen.
- Using an anti-glare screen: controlling glare from overhead lights and uncurtained windows or moving terminal to an area of limited glare.
- Using wrist support pads: keeping wrists relatively straight while typing to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome.
- Staying hydrated is important: because insufficient water intake can worsen irritated, dry eyes .computer work can be very engrossing and person may forget to get something to drink, or may not feel to have the time to get up.
Homeopathic management
Homeopathy is an increasingly popular alternative system of medicine. It is based on the principle or law of similar,or similia similibus curentur,which means let like be cured with like, It was a German Doctor by the name of Christian Fredrick Samuel Hahnemann who discovered this basic principle. Homeopathic medicines are made from a wide variety of substances, from the plant as well as animals, metals, minerals , acids etc.
Homeopathy is most effective in the treatment of computer vision syndrome, the following groups of remedies are more commonly used such as Argentum nit, Arnica, Conium, Euphrasia, Crocus sativa, Natrum mur, Thuja, Kalmia, Pilocarpus, Senega officinalis.
