Are Contact Lenses Really Responsible for Computer Vision Syndrome?

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Computer vision syndrome affect visual acuity due to the increased stress on ocular muscles. Digital era has pushed everyone into “screen-reading”. Be it your social media, work routine or leisure activities; every platform requires you to squint at your tablets, mobile phones, computers and LEDs. This reduces the number of times human eye blinks which leads to eye strain. Contact lenses may add to the symptoms but they are not to be hold accountable for the syndrome. According to the Oklahoma City Eye Specialist Dr. Chris Boaldin it is the obsession to smart screens that increases the risks of the syndrome.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome:

Computer vision syndrome reduces blinking to five times that exert pressure on nerves. This may lead to blurred or hazy vision, watery eyes, heavy eye lids and redness. Contact lenses block the smooth flow of oxygen to some extent; though advance technology has made the availability of silicone hydrogel lenses possible that allow upto 5 times more of the oxygen transmission. Circle contacts come with their own constraints as other medical devices. Working for more than 8 hours on computer screen with circle lenses in eyes may affect one’s efficiency.

Treatment:

Fortunately computer vision syndrome does not call to quit wearing contacts. According to experts few lifestyle modifications may help relieve the symptoms. Basically, by improving sitting postures, lighting conditions & by reducing the glare, CVS can be eliminated. “I always urge patients not to ignore any vision discomfort,” said Dr. Boaldin. “Simple postural changes can significantly reduce computer vision syndrome symptoms and help prevent the development of additional vision problems.”

Management with computer vision syndrome actually eases it out to continue wearing contact lenses with least discomfort. Furthermore, wearing lenses that ensure maximum comfort & water retention heals the symptoms and improves contact lens tolerance.  

Management with Computer Vision Syndrome in Contact Lens Users

Science concludes that staring at screen reduces the number of times you blink. Blinking keeps eyes moist & hydrated. Working at computer causes eye fatigue that is aggravated due to wearing contact lenses. Computer vision syndrome includes dry or runny eyes, fatigued eyes, hazy or blurred vision & redness. Patients with CVS may find it uncomfortable to continue with contact lenses. However by introducing few modifications in the lifestyle, you can get back to work with optimum efficiency.

Tips to Relieve CVS

1. Keep an appropriate distance from the screen. The angle, the distance & the height of the screen should be well-optimized. To prevent muscular strain & eyes observe caution whilst working at computer.
2. Minimize glaring at screen for long. Look away from the screen for few seconds. Look up & down. Batting eyes also provides comfort.
3. Don’t over-wear contact lenses. Though it is more about personal tolerance; it is said that computer usage reduce contact lens endurance. Since contact lenses block swift oxygen flow to the cornea, eyes feel fatigued even more when they are made to glare at the screen. If you can tolerate contacts for 8 hours otherwise; you would want to cut down it to 5-6 hours when working at computer.  
4. Environmental factors such as air-conditioned buildings adversely affect contact lens tolerance. Air-conditioning compromises the humidity level that alleviates the dry eye syndrome in computer related vision disorders.
5. Stay very observant about the screens you work at. Keep them clean, so that your eyes don’t have to work strenuously.
6. Some contact lenses are better at retaining water whereas some tend to get dry quickly. Contact lenses with high water content are though more comfortable they are known to make eyes dry. Rewet eyes using lubricating drops if burning sensation or difficulty in blinking eyes is observed.

Computer vision syndrome can be managed. Lifestyle modifications help relieve the discomfort in contact lens users. It greatly enhances the ability to refocus by minimizing headaches, double vision & difficulty batting the eyes. To keep eyes comfortable & prevent dryness, keep yourself hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcoholic drinks help your eyes do the talking with an unparalleled sparkle!