Computer vision syndrome – symptoms and prevention

Summary

Computer vision syndrome is a term for a set of symptoms that often manifest themselves during a long-term work on a digital device. According to several studies, these symptoms are more common in people with uncorrected latent strabismus. The most frequent complications include eye fatigue, blurred and double vision, headaches, and neck and back pain. The aim of this study is to point out the most common manifestations of computer vision syndrome and how to minimize or eliminate the occurrence of these manifestations. The aim of the research was also to verify whether people with horizontal heterophoria manifest symptoms of computer vision syndrome more than people without heterophoria.

At first came the diagnosis of latent strabismus. Then we created a research and a control group and finally we set a questionnaire evaluating computer vision syndrome. The research included 56 participants, wherein 30 % (17) were men and 70 % (39) were women. After dividing the research sample into two groups – one with heterophoria and one with orthophoria – it was discovered that 54 % (30) of the participants had heterophoria measured at a distance of 70 cm while 46 % (26) of the participants were included in the control, orthophoric group.

After the questionnaire evaluation, it was found out that for participants with heterophoria, the final score in the questionnaire was 9.4 ± 6.6 points. Participants who were heterophoric had a better average score of the questionnaire, 7.1 ± 5.5 points. In addition, participants with heterophoria were more likely to report increased visual discomfort at close range, associated with eye pain and problems with simple binocular vision compared to participants without heterophoria.

It was confirmed that latent strabismus has a negative effect on the endurance of participants when working with a computer. Moreover, people with heterophoria show greater subjective difficulties when working with digital devices compared to the control group. To improve the quality of work with digital devices, it is necessary to work on alleviating the manifestations of computer vision syndrome, which can be achieved by following the rules of visual hygiene, workplace ergonomics, the use of quality work equipment and expanding regular eye examinations for a screening of the latent strabismus.

Keywords:

computer vision syndrome – heterophoria – visual hygiene – workspace ergonomics