Computer vision syndrome on the rise amongst software professionals

06 June, 2012

A free eye check up camp has been organized exclusively for software professionals in Gurgaon. In the camp, which was organized by the Centre for Sight group of hospitals with 35 centres across India, more than 200 software professionals got their eyes checked.

THE FINDINGS of the camp confirmed that instances of eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is on the rise in software professionals. Senior Ophthalmologist at Centre for Sight Dr. Triveni Grover who checked the eyes of computer professionals advised them to take regular breaks while working on the computer by applying the rule of 20-20-20.

“Computer Vision Syndrome is on the rise. I would advise that after every 20 minutes, the software professionals should look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relieve eye strain," said Dr. Triveni Grover to this Citizen Journalist . Dr. Triveni said that the symptoms of CVS often go unrecognized in many young professionals. “Other than tiredness in the eyes, getting frequent headaches, pain in the shoulder, stiffness in the neck and blurry vision are also symptoms of the Computer Vision Syndrome,” said Dr. Grover.

The main cause of CVS or eye strain is that people tend to blink less, when they sit in front of the computer. Blinking is a natural reflex, which re-wets the eyes.

At the camp many do-able solutions such as tweaking the ambiance lighting, reducing the glare of the computer, putting drapes to shut the external light, increasing the font size of the reading material and working on the ergonomics were advised to the professionals to reduce eye strain.

According to ophthalmologists 85% of those working on computers and Blackberrys for more than six hours a day suffer from CVS.