Computerized vision syndrome

Most of our contemporaries cannot imagine their lives without a computer. They accompany us everywhere – in the office and on vacation. According to an independent study, a modern person spends about a third of the year in front of a monitor. Many, after working a day at the computer, relax in front of the TV or “hanging out” on social networks. Naturally, people have become more likely to have vision problems – xerophthalmia, blurred vision, rapid fatigue from any visual strain. Symptoms associated with a sedentary lifestyle have joined this. The combination of the above-mentioned signs at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries acquired a name: computer vision syndrome. The symptom complex of this visual pathology, the development of which is provoked by spending a long time at a computer monitor, is described by one term – asthenopia or eye fatigue. It does not refer to organic eye damage, it is a functional disorder. However, the rapid appearance of visual discomfort significantly reduces a person’s quality of life.

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Epidemiology

Statistics show that one in six people who were examined by an ophthalmologist associated the detected vision pathologies with spending long periods of time at the computer.

Two thirds of the planet's inhabitants, whose activities and/or leisure time are associated with regular, long periods of sitting in front of a monitor, have vision problems, a fifth of them complain of discomfort, pain in the spine located in the collar and lumbar areas, and signs of such an occupational pathology as neuralgia of the carpal tunnel.

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Causes of computer vision syndrome

The rays emitted by computer and television displays, which were previously accused of having a pathological effect on the body, are now justified. Some types of radiation have not been detected at all, while others, due to their insignificance, do not pose a real threat to human health, in particular, to vision.

The main reason for the appearance of this syndrome is called the effects of the monitor: the image is always illuminated, it is not whole, but consists of the smallest merging elements (pixels), the contours of the picture are less clear because of this, in addition, on old computer screens equipped with a cathode-ray tube, they also flicker. All this additionally loads the visual system, adapted in the process of evolution to the perception of images in reflected light.

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Risk factors

Direct risk factors for the development of computer vision syndrome:

• arrangement of the place where the laptop or desktop computer is located, without taking into account ergonomic indicators: lighting, distance to the display, glare on it from the sun from a window or lighting fixtures, inappropriate image brightness;
• the presence of visual deviations from the norm, congenital or age-related (astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia);
• the absence of technological breaks in work leads to the fact that the worker begins to blink much less often in order to focus and keep his gaze on the symbols on the computer monitor;
• retyping large volumes of text, associated with the need to constantly refocus vision from paper to the monitor, highly complex graphic work performed on a computer;
• interactive mode of operation.

The risk group includes people suffering from chronic joint diseases, carpal tunnel syndrome, shaking palsy, hyperthyroidism, women during menopause, as well as patients undergoing anti-allergy therapy, taking diuretics, anticholinergics, and psychotropic drugs.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of this process lies in the peculiarities of the human eye's perception of a backlit intermittent image. Our visual organ has been accustomed to perceiving images in reflected light for centuries. Television and computer screens appeared relatively recently. Long-term visual strain associated with the specifics of computer images causes the appearance of painful symptoms: the eyes quickly become tired, the ability to clearly distinguish objects, estimate the distance to them, and see clearly with both eyes is impaired.

At the same time, prolonged sitting without changing posture contributes to the appearance of degenerative changes in the spine and symptoms of osteochondrosis.

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Symptoms of computer vision syndrome

This condition is not considered a disease. It is interpreted as borderline, that is, the threshold of the disease. However, if the first signs of asthenopia appear, they should not be ignored. A sensation of a foreign body in the eyes, itching, pain and/or burning when moving the eyes, hyperemic mucous membrane of the eyelid with inflamed vessels, lacrimation are symptoms of xerophthalmia. At a later stage, pain in the eyes, a feeling of increased temperature around the eyes, and headache are added.

Direct visual impairments manifest themselves as blurriness of the visible object - it doubles or blurs, a veil is felt before the eyes; distorted perception of the shape or size of the visual image; in order to switch from objects that are close to more distant ones, some time is needed; rapid eye fatigue during any visual work.

The results of the study showed that after a working day spent in front of a computer screen, a person experiences a reversible decrease in the ability of the eye to quickly adapt to seeing objects at different distances; some users temporarily lose the ability to relax the eye muscles (distance accommodation) - so-called false myopia appears. Cases of impaired eye muscle coordination, decreased contrast sensory vision and other visual function disorders have been recorded.

Complications and consequences

Serious consequences and complications for the organs of vision as a result of long-term work on the computer have not yet been identified. However, in the presence of congenital or acquired diseases of this sensory organ, they can progress. This is especially true for myopia, which not only worsens, but in people predisposed to it (having anomalies in the shape of the cornea and lens, exceeding the norm in the size of the anterior-posterior axis of the eye), it can develop.

Against the background of functional visual disorders, attacks of migraine-like pain, increased excitability, symptoms of cervical and/or lumbar osteochondrosis often occur, false myopia may occur (especially in children). An irresistible desire to rub or scratch inflamed eyes, wipe away tears often causes infection and the development of complications in the form of inflammatory processes (blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis).

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Diagnostics of computer vision syndrome

The appearance of symptoms of visual fatigue during communication with a computer makes it necessary to contact a specialist for examination. As a rule, there are no pathological changes in the anatomical structure of the eye, but it is still worth getting examined, since due to the insignificance of the defects, a person may not suspect their presence. If a person does not have organic eye disorders, then the symptoms gradually disappear on their own after stopping regular use of the computer or taking measures to optimize the arrangement of the workplace and the work schedule.

However, a complete examination of the visual organs is necessary, since some defects, for example, such a very common one as latent divergent strabismus, can be the cause of asthenopia symptoms even if objects equipped with monitors are completely excluded from life, which is unlikely.

To confirm the diagnosis, the following tests are prescribed: tear production (Schirmer test), tear film stability (Norn test) and a test for degenerative changes in the conjunctiva and cornea with Lissamine green (Ophtolik test). If a secondary infection is suspected, a bacterioscopic examination of a smear from the conjunctiva is prescribed.

Modern instrumental diagnostics will help to comprehensively examine the visual organ for any hidden pathologies. The patient's visual acuity and refraction are determined using an autorefractometer and phoroptor. The volume of absolute and relative accommodation reserve is determined using a proximeter or computer accommodation. The fundus is examined using an ophthalmoscope. If necessary, the patient may be prescribed an ultrasound examination of the eyes and computer coherent tomography.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics is carried out on the basis of examination of the patient and analysis of the results of the examination in order to exclude allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, lagophthalmos, ametropia (various forms), presbyopia, xerophthalmia not associated with long hours spent in front of the monitor (diabetic, menopausal, etc.).

Treatment of computer vision syndrome

First of all, the deficiencies related to the ergonomics of the workplace and the irrational work schedule are corrected. At the initial stages of the development of pathology, such measures are often sufficient. The use of medications is possible only after a thorough diagnosis and as prescribed by a doctor.

In therapeutic regimens for the treatment of computer vision syndrome, drugs that form a polymer film on the surface of the cornea of the eye, protecting it from drying out at a time when the number of blinking movements of the eyelids is sharply reduced, the so-called "artificial tears", have become widely used.

For example, eye drops Systane, which belong to the new generation of drugs. This means for prosthetic natural tear film is designed to eliminate the symptoms of xerophthalmia, which appeared as a result of a long period of computer use. The peculiarity of the drug is the ability to adapt to the patient's tear fluid depending on the stage of the disease. When getting into the eyes, the drug can remain liquid, or it can thicken to the state of jelly. The polymer base of Systane is polydronium chloride, which is an inert substance and does not affect the mucous membrane of the eye. It is characterized by fast action, it is enough to instill one or two drops once in the morning. Sometimes two or three instillations may be needed. It is washed out of the eyes with tears. Apart from a possible hypersensitivity reaction, other side effects have not yet been recorded.

Optive drops belong to a group of cellulose-based drugs. Sodium carmellose (cellulose gum) of two types acts as a moisturizer and helps stabilize the tear film. The second active ingredient is glycerol, which reacts with the tear fluid to enhance corneal moisturizing. Drops are instilled one or two at a time as needed. Contraindicated in case of sensitization to the components. Overdose is unlikely.

Innoxa herbal drops and the Natural Tear preparation are used as needed, instilling one or two drops into each eye. They eliminate fatigue, relieve inflammation, redness, return the eyes to a comfortable state, moisturizing the cornea and compensating for the insufficiency of the tear film.

Such drugs do not have a systemic effect, they are practically not absorbed into the bloodstream from the mucous membrane and are not found in breast milk, so according to indications and under the supervision of a doctor, they can be used by pregnant and lactating women. Driving a car is possible some time after instillation, when vision regains its usual acuity. They are combined with any drugs of general action, it is not recommended to combine with other local ophthalmological agents. If there is a need for the simultaneous use of different eye drops, the time intervals between instillations recommended by the doctor should be maintained.

Before instillation, it is generally always necessary to remove contact lenses.

To resolve eye hemorrhages for prophylactic purposes, antioxidants may be included in the treatment regimen, for example, Emoxipin, a 1% solution for eye drops. The active substance of the drug, methyl ethyl pyridinol, reduces permeability and increases elasticity of the eye vessels, and with its help, small hemorrhages in the mucous membrane of the eye and its retina are resolved. Increases its resistance to excessive light, oxygen deficiency, prevents ischemia and oxidation. Apply by instilling one or two drops into each eye as needed - twice or three times a day. Do not use in people sensitized to the ingredients of the drops.

Vitamins C, A, E are used for the same purpose. The product Strix has proven itself well - a bioactive food supplement that has a retinoprotective effect. Natural components of plant origin included in the product have an antioxidant and adaptogenic effect:

• beta-carotene – essential for normal color perception, twilight vision and the function of adaptation to darkness;
• standardized blueberry extract (which preserves the most valuable components for vision - anthocyanosides) increases resistance to eye strain, stimulates the production of rhodopsin, which promotes sharp vision in low light conditions, and has antioxidant properties;
• Lutein is able to increase immunity and bind free radicals, its origin is plant-based.
• antioxidants tocopherol and ascorbic acid, mineral components: zinc and selenium act synergistically with all ingredients, in addition, zinc prevents the development of cataracts.

After taking the drug, the feeling of eye fatigue is eliminated, significant loads on the visual organ are more easily tolerated. The product tones the vessels that provide blood supply to the eyes, activates metabolic processes, regenerates the quality of the visual pigment. The patient regains visual acuity in the light and at dusk. The strength of vision lost with age increases.

They are available in hard tablet form: coated – for swallowing and uncoated – for chewing.

Strix and Strix Forte are intended for adult users, and Strix-Kids for children under seven. The tablets are taken once a day during meals, one or two pieces, according to the instructions for the selected form of release, in a two- or three-week course.

A revolutionary remedy is recognized as the eye drops IT Ectoin. In our case, the version with 0.5% content of the active substance is used. Absolutely natural, obtained from halophilic bacteria that exist only in a salty environment, water or soil, ectoin has the ability to bind the fat components of the tear fluid with water, thereby changing its quality. The tear fluid becomes stable and retains the moisture of the cornea much better, its protective properties increase. Drops with ectoin are recognized as the most effective biological protector. In addition, they do not contain preservatives and are packaged in disposable mini-droppers, the contents of which should be used during the day. Instill two to three times one, two or three drops in each eye.

Physiotherapy is widely used to treat computer vision syndrome:

• laser stimulation of the ciliary muscle - this method uses low-intensity laser radiation in the infrared range, which affects the ciliary body through the sclera of the eye, activating blood microcirculation and, as a result, metabolism in the tissues of the visual organ;
• biomechanical stimulation of the eye muscle is achieved through vibration;
• electrical stimulation of the muscles of the ciliary body is carried out using a whole series of high-frequency impulses acting on the nerve endings, resulting in passive muscle contraction;
• Bioresonance therapy – rhythmic stimulation of the receptive part of the eye with light.

In addition, there are various sets of exercises that are quite effective in the treatment and prevention of visual fatigue.

Folk remedies

If it is already known that eye fatigue is not caused by organic pathologies or an inflammatory process, then traditional medicine recipes can help to restore the normal condition of the eyes quite quickly.

An express method for improving the condition of the eyes is tea leaves. It is usually available both at home and at work. Soak two cotton pads in black tea leaves, squeeze slightly, lean back in a chair (at home - you can lie down) and put compresses on closed eyelids. Wait about ten minutes and you can get back to work. Used tea bags are used in the same way.

A recipe for home use is to make potato juice, mix it with flour and put the cakes on your eyes or soak gauze scraps in the juice and make compresses. The ideal option is to rinse your face with linden or chamomile infusion after 10-15 minutes, but cool water will do as well. This procedure will not only relieve symptoms of fatigue, but will also refresh the skin around the eyes and relieve swelling.

Mashed raw potatoes wrapped in gauze can be used to relieve visual fatigue. The procedure is similar, after which you need to apply eye cream to your washed eyelids.

An excellent remedy is compresses made from slightly warmed milk, cucumber slices or a gruel made from this vegetable, wrapped in a piece of gauze.

You can treat tired eyes with herbs, using infusions of chamomile and cornflower flowers, fresh birch leaves (chopped leaves are poured with cold water for 10 hours), linden decoction. Dry flowers are brewed according to the instructions on the pharmacy packaging. The prepared products are used in the form of compresses, simple and contrasting, dividing the liquid into two parts and slightly warming one of them. You can simply rinse your eyes with them or freeze them in an ice cube tray, and every morning wipe not only your eyes, but your entire face with a piece of ice.

In addition to external remedies, it is necessary to add internal ones - eat foods with a high content of vitamins A and C. Do eye exercises, and most importantly - give your eyes a rest and monitor the general condition of our body, which is reflected in our eyes, like in a mirror.

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Homeopathy

For weakened eyes, you can also choose homeopathic remedies. Having decided to seek help from a homeopath, you need to undergo an examination and identify organic pathologies of vision. A specialist in this field of medicine should know what ailment you have to fight.

In classical homeopathy, the following are used to treat asthenopia: Gelsemium (yellow jasmine), Euphrasia (eyebright), Fagopyrum (buckwheat), Ruta graveolens (fragrant rue), Senega (silkweed) and many others. Almost any drug can have a beneficial effect on vision if it matches the type of the patient.

In pharmacies you can find complex homeopathic preparations to eliminate eye fatigue and the symptoms associated with this condition.

Oculoheel is a homeopathic eye drop intended for people whose work involves high visual loads that cause irritation, lacrimation abnormalities, double vision, and blurred vision. The use of the drops helps to normalize vascular trophism and eye muscle tone. The action of the drug is determined by its composition:

Euphrasia (eyebright) - this plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmological pathologies, eliminates the symptoms of asthenopia ("sand in the eyes", lacrimation, dryness, photophobia), stops associated infection and inflammation.

Cochlearia (horseradish) – irritation, redness, discomfort in the eyes.

Pilocarpus jaborandii – eye strain, resulting in severe fatigue, pain and burning, and visual disturbances.

Echinacea is an immunostimulant and antioxidant, which also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Put two drops into the eyes three times a day.

Okulus EDAS-108 – oral drops for the elimination of asthenopia, as well as associated infection.

The composition of this homeopathic preparation is similar to the composition of the previous one:

Ruta odorata – discomfort and burning in the light from an artificial source; veil, spots or rainbow before the eyes; lacrimation, mainly in the open air; accommodation disorders and other symptoms of visual fatigue.

Euphrasia (eyebright) - this plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmological pathologies, eliminates the symptoms of asthenopia (sand in the eyes, lacrimation, dryness, photophobia), stops associated infection and inflammation.

Echinacea is an immunostimulant and antioxidant, which also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Place five drops in a teaspoon of water or on a piece of sugar and take orally three times a day at equal intervals, regardless of food intake.

DreamTeam MagicEye™ is a new revolutionary invention of Russian pharmaceuticals, the drug is positioned as homeopathic, although its only active substance is sterile water, with the so-called "matrix of healthy eyes" embedded in its molecules. When entering the eyes, intelligent drops find pathological changes in their cells and correct defects using information read from the matrix.

Surgical treatment

Computer vision syndrome itself is not considered an eye disease and does not require surgical intervention, however, it can aggravate existing refractive or light ray refraction anomalies in the eye.

Most often, operations are performed to correct myopia (nearsightedness). The most modern and gentle method, preserving the anatomy of the cornea layers, and also effectively correcting vision defects, is laser keratomileusis. The operation is seamless, performed under the control of a computer program, the recovery period is minimal - it is performed on an outpatient basis and in the evening of the same day the operated patient can already read, write, draw and watch TV without glasses. Laser surgery is also used to correct astigmatism and farsightedness.

If for some reason the patient cannot undergo the above operation and he/she retains natural accommodation, then the recommended operation in this case is the implantation of a positive or negative intraocular lens without removing the crystalline lens. If natural accommodation is lost, the crystalline lens is replaced with an artificial lens of the required optical power. After these operations, the patient needs glasses to view small objects close by – reading, writing, sewing and similar work.

Prevention

The arrangement of the workplace must comply with the rules of ergonomics, which take into account everything: from optimal lighting and distances to the monitor, keyboard and printing sources to an elementary comfortable working posture.

When choosing a monitor, it is preferable to choose a liquid crystal display with a diagonal and resolution corresponding to the tasks at hand. For work, it would be a good idea to get glasses with an anti-glare coating.

It is necessary to maintain a rational work schedule - take frequent (every 20-30 minutes) breaks, during which you can do a little eye gymnastics: blink, make rotational movements with your eyes, stand up and look into the distance out the window, then move your gaze to a nearby object, move, stretching the muscles of the neck, back, limbs.

People who spend eight hours or more in front of a monitor are advised to massage their eyelids and perform cleansing procedures with eye gel and warm compresses with a special eye lotion every day. You can use decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants for these purposes.

According to research, computer vision syndrome develops in most cases in people with uncorrected refractive errors and the presence of systemic chronic diseases. Therefore, if you are going to closely connect your life with working on a computer, it is recommended to undergo an ophthalmological examination, and, if necessary, consult with other specialists.

Forecast

This visual disorder causes significant discomfort, but does not pose a serious threat to human health and life.

Timely preventive measures to correct the conditions and operating mode in most cases help to completely eliminate the symptoms of computer vision syndrome and prevent the development of myopia.

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