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Eye problems are a common issue in the UK at the moment. This typically comes as a consequence of excessive computer use and screen time, especially for professionals. As a result, many risk getting dry eyes characterised by irritated and watery eyes. However, over half (51%) of the Brits surveyed for a study had no idea what dry eye is, potentially leading to worse eye issues if they fail to address it. Moreover, it may be a sign of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) that can hinder work productivity.

If you’re a worker who’s always in front of a screen, keep reading below to find out what Computer Vision Syndrome is, how it affects productivity, and ways to manage it:

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

CVS is the term given to eye complications due to prolonged computer use. This includes eye dryness, itchiness and blurred vision, as well as headaches, neck pain, and back pain. Long hours of staring at a screen force the eyes to work overtime and exposes them to harmful blue light emitted by digital devices. This type of light has the shortest wavelength, so it can severely affect your eyes. Apart from the above-mentioned CVS symptoms, other consequences of blue light exposure are damaged retinal cells and cataract formation.

Fortunately, CVS is not permanent. However, if left unaddressed, this can affect your work performance and productivity.

How Does Computer Vision Syndrome Affect Your Productivity?

An Aston University study on the digital working environment reveals that eye strain when performing tasks reliant on digital devices—like computers, tablets, and mobile phones—can cause discomfort. As a result, you will most likely take more frequent breaks to rest your eyes, preventing you from meeting deadlines and completing other tasks.

Apart from pain, you may also blink more rapidly to deal with watery eyes or blurred vision and see flickering lights due to fatigue. These can distract you from your work, preventing efficient workflow.

How to Address Computer Vision Syndrome

Use blue light glasses

Using blue light eye protection can prevent CVS. Wearing blue light glasses will shield you against the effects of blue light exposure and provide comfort when working. These also increase contrast when looking at screens, so you avoid squinting and straining your eyes. Finally, there are different blue light lens options for your needs: BlueReflect and KODAK UVBlue. The former filters blue light has an anti-reflective coating, and is available for single and multifocal lenses, while the latter is a more premium option that has the added feature of improved colour recognition and depth perception.

If you already have prescription glasses, ask your optician if they can add blue light filters. This way, you reduce paying for two glasses.

Take scheduled breaks

Reducing your screen time is another way to combat CVS. Even if you do most of your work on computers or tablets, you can achieve this by planning your time away from the screen. This will help you be more productive and efficient, as intervals between hours of focused work rejuvenate your energy and puts you back on track. Some things you can do are take walks, refill your mug or water bottle, and have a small snack.

You can also follow the 20-20-20 rule to set your breaks. This entails looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Doing so gives your eyes scheduled breaks away. To remember this, set alarms every 20 minutes or whenever you want to take a break.

CVS can severely affect your work performance. Prevent it by protecting your eyes from digital screens and taking breaks away from your computer.