Screens are an indispensable part of our modern working and leisure world. Whether at work or at home, the view of smartphones, tablets, notebooks and monitors and even e-readers is omnipresent. According to the Postbank Digital Study 2024, Germans are online for an average of 69 hours per week. Only online!
However, this intensive use of digital screens is increasingly leading to complaints known as ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’ (CVS) or ‘Digital Eye Stress Syndrome’.
CVS is also referred to as:
- Digital Eye Strain Syndrome
- Digital Eye Strain
- Computer Vision Syndrome
- Screen Fatigue
- Technology-Induced Vision Stress Syndrome
- Eye strain caused by digital devices
- Electronic Visual Impairment
Studies show that this syndrome is associated with a range of symptoms such as eye fatigue, dry eyes, headaches and even nausea, and can affect both quality of life and productivity. For many, this raises the question: Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment – what can I do?
What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as digital vision stress syndrome, describes the eye and vision problems associated with using computers and other electronic displays.
Today, working with screens is almost ubiquitous, not only at work but also in our free time. Digital screens differ significantly from printed materials, especially in terms of the symptoms that occur with prolonged use.
Causes and treatment options for Digital Eye Stress Syndrome aka Computer Vision Syndrome
Many people spend 10 hours or more in front of a screen every day, often without adequate breaks. This intensive screen work leads to a number of stresses and places high demands on the eyes.
The following causes contribute significantly to computer vision syndrome:
1. Incorrect lighting
Often, the lighting at the workplace is too bright or not optimally positioned. Unsuitable lighting can cause eyestrain and intensify symptoms such as headaches and dry eyes.
2. Glare
Screens that reflect light create glare. This causes the eyes to constantly adjust, leading to rapid eye fatigue and can intensify the symptoms of CVS.
3. Insufficient distance
The compact size of many mobile screens often makes it necessary to reduce the font size and move closer to the device. If the screen is too close or at the wrong height, the eyes have to adjust more.
This leads to overstraining of the eye muscles and increases the risk of vision problems and eye fatigue.
4. Incorrect sitting posture
An unfavourable sitting position can increase the strain on the eyes. With a bad sitting position, you often look at the screen from an unnatural angle, which leads to eyestrain and additional strain on the neck and shoulders.
5. Not or insufficiently corrected vision defects
Vision defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism that are not correctly corrected require additional effort to see objects clearly.
This additional effort leads to increased eye fatigue and dry eyes.
6. Reduced blink frequency
When working at a screen, the frequency of blinking is reduced by up to 60%. This means that the eye is moistened less often, which promotes drying out of the eyes and leads to instability of the tear film.
This natural tear film is, however, crucial for clear vision and prevents irritation.
7. High demands on accommodation and convergence
Constant focusing on nearby objects, as is the case when using computers and mobile devices, increases the demands on accommodation (focusing) and convergence (aligning both eyes on a nearby target).
This close focusing puts additional strain on the eyes and increases vision problems and symptoms such as blurred vision.
8. Dry air from air conditioning or heating
Modern office environments often have low humidity, which can further dry out the eyes and increase the symptoms of digital eye fatigue.
Air conditioning and heating can increase dryness by removing moisture from the air.
These causes often require computer vision syndrome treatment to relieve symptoms and take the strain off the eyes.
Common symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
Computer vision syndrome is associated with a variety of symptoms that can significantly impair well-being.
These symptoms often occur during and after working at a screen and can manifest themselves in different ways:
1. Fatigue and general discomfort in the eyes
The first and often persistent symptom of computer vision syndrome is eye strain. This strain often manifests itself in the form of a general discomfort in the eyes, which increases after working at a screen for a long time.
Typical complaints include tired or burning eyes, which affect work and concentration.
2. Dry and red eyes
With a reduced blink rate, the eyes are less well lubricated, often leading to dry eyes. This condition can further irritate the eyes and cause redness, which increases the feeling of dryness and discomfort.
3. Vision problems: blurred and double vision
Constantly looking at a screen often leads to blurred vision, which can occur both during and after work. In some cases, it can even lead to double vision when the eyes are overstrained and can no longer focus sharply.
4. Concentration and focus problems
With increasing screen time, concentration difficulties can arise because seeing becomes more difficult and the eye muscles are overstrained.
Another typical consequence is focusing problems, which are intensified by constantly looking at close objects.
5. Headaches and dizziness
Many sufferers also experience headaches and occasional dizziness, which are intensified by eye strain and often unnatural posture.
These symptoms can have a severe impact on well-being and often lead to a significant reduction in work productivity.
6. Neck and back pain
An incorrect screen height and a tense posture contribute to neck pain and additional back pain.
These complaints often occur in conjunction with computer vision syndrome, as the muscles in the neck and shoulder area are overstrained by the unfavourable sitting posture.
Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment Options – tips for combating digital visual stress and Computer Vision Syndrome in the office (CVS)
Those who suffer from digital visual stress can take a few simple adjustments in their workplace and take targeted measures to alleviate the problem. Here are some effective tips:
1. Ergonomic screen position and workplace design
Good ergonomics at the workplace are crucial. To reduce eye strain, the screen should be positioned about 50-65 cm from the eyes and slightly below eye level.
2. Use special glasses for computer screens or blue light filters
Special glasses for computer screens can relieve the eyes and alleviate symptoms such as dry eyes, headaches and nausea. A blue light filter provides additional protection against the effects of the light from the screen.
Computer vision syndrome glasses with a blue light filter can also significantly reduce the strain.
3. Take breaks – the 20-20-20 rule
Regular breaks help the eyes to relax and increase the natural blinking frequency. A good trick is the 20-20-20 rule:
take a break every 20 minutes and stare at an object at least 20 feet (about 6 metres) away for 20 seconds.
4. Optimise humidity and room lighting
Maintain a room humidity of about 40-60% and use indirect lighting to minimise glare and reflections.
5. Eye exercises
Eye exercises can provide valuable relief for those suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS). Specific eye exercises such as rolling the eyes and focusing in different directions strengthen the eye muscles and promote blood circulation in the eye area.
This improves the metabolism and helps to relieve tension caused by long periods in front of a screen. Supplemented by breathing exercises at an open window, which support the oxygen supply to the eyes, the training helps to relieve the strain on the eyes and alleviate symptoms such as eye fatigue and dryness.
Food supplement to support Computer Vision Syndrome treatment
A balanced supply of certain nutrients can actively support the eyes, especially when subjected to the strain of intensive screen work.
Dietary supplements can help with computer vision syndrome treatment
The right nutrients in the right dosage are also relevant for computer vision syndrome treatment: omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate the production of tears and prevent dry eyes.
While antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and E protect the eyes from oxidative stress, which is increased by constantly staring at the screen. Zinc supports the absorption of vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health.
The right nutrients in the right dosage are also relevant for computer vision syndrome (CVS): omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate the production of tears and prevent dry eyes.
While antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and E protect the eyes from oxidative stress, which is increased by constantly staring at the screen. Zinc supports the absorption of vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health.
Eye Acupuncture Noll: Integrated Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment
In addition to ergonomic adjustments and care products, eye acupuncture can be a valuable and natural treatment option for CVS. In eye acupuncture according to Prof. John Boel, the eyes are considered part of a holistic system. Eye Acupuncture Noll has developed the Integrated Eye Therapy according to Noll and thus offers comprehensive support for eye problems.
Many patients report a significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few sessions. In contrast to eye drops or medication, Integrative Eye Therapy according to Noll addresses the cause of the symptoms and supports the entire organism.
Conclusion on Computer Vision Syndrome treatment
The increasing amount of screen time in our professional and private lives is causing digital eye strain in many people, which can significantly impair their quality of life. To effectively alleviate the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and protect the eyes in the long term, targeted adjustments and measures are crucial.
Recognising digital strain
The intensive use of digital devices is increasingly leading to eye complaints known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This strain affects both professional and private screen time.
Adjustments in everyday life
Successful Computer Vision Syndrome treatment begins with optimising workplace ergonomics, taking regular breaks according to the 20-20-20 rule and using blue light filters or special glasses to reduce eye strain.
Targeted nutritional support
Nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins are also an important part of computer vision syndrome treatment as they strengthen the eyes and support natural moisture.
Holistic therapy approaches
The Integrated Eye Therapy by Noll offers a comprehensive computer vision syndrome treatment that not only alleviates the symptoms, but also treats the underlying causes. This method takes a holistic approach to protect vision in the long term.
Improvement of well-being
These measures not only help to alleviate symptoms, but also improve overall well-being and support sustainable computer vision syndrome treatment.
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