Computer vision syndrome: causes, symptoms and

management in the pharmacy

pharmaceutical-journal.com/eye-care/computer-vision-syndrome-causes-symptoms-and-management-
in-the-pharmacy/20203789.article
The Pharmaceutical Journal 5 DEC 2017 By Janki Barai , Chris
Hammond

Computer vision syndrome is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result
from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and mobile phone use. Individuals may
present in pharmacies complaining of eye discomfort and vision problems, so
pharmacists and pharmacy teams should be able to distinguish which factors may be at
play for particular patients.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Individuals are spending more time using digital devices, which is linked to more people experiencing eye
discomfort and vision problems.

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 In 2016, The Pharmaceutical Journal joined forces with UK
health company RB to gauge how commonly dry eye is
seen in the pharmacy and devised an independent
editorial campaign to address the learning needs of
pharmacists. This culminated in the publication of a print
supplement ‘Focus: Dry eye’ and the production of The
Pharmacy Learning Centre, a dedicated learning
resource on the treatment, and management of eye
conditions in pharmacy.
The prolonged use of digital devices has contributed to
an increase in ‘computer-related’ ocular symptoms,
called computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is often
linked with dry eye disease, therefore, this article aims to
build on the previous work and support pharmacists in
discussing how lifestyle factors, including screen and
device use, are associated with dry eye symptoms.

The prolonged use of digital devices has contributed to an increase of ‘computer-related’

ocular symptoms called computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye
fatigue. Research has found that around 75% of the population working in front of a
screen for 6–9 hours daily complain of some ocular discomfort[1] . Office-based studies
have shown the prevalence of CVS to be higher in women than men[2] , but similar
between contact lens and spectacle wearers[3] .
CVS broadly relates to ocular discomfort associated with prolonged computer use, but
the time spent using screens, especially handheld devices, is increasing inexorably in our
day-to-day activities, and avoiding screen use is not a possibility for many people.
Indeed, it is estimated that children and young adults now spend around six hours a day
using screens, including the use of multiple mobile devices[4] .
This article aims to help pharmacists and healthcare professionals to identify the causes
of ocular discomfort and how they can help patients manage their symptoms effectively.

Identifying CVS
Symptoms of CVS can be divided into four categories:
Eye strain (asthenopia);
Difficulty focusing (visual blur);
Or non-ocular symptoms.

Asthenopia can be defined through non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, pain in or

around the eyes, headache, or even double vision. In patients with dry eye disease (see
Box 1: ‘What is dry eye disease?’), the ocular surface dries out, causing scratchy, tired,
irritated eyes, which may become worse with contact lens use[7] . Refractive errors may
result in complaints of blurred vision, slow focusing, double vision or difficulty focusing
for close work (presbyopia). Non-ocular symptoms include neck, back or shoulder pain.
Patients with CVS quite often have a range of symptoms from more than one category,
and the pharmacist or pharmacy team may need to work out which of these may be
associated with the condition in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment. In
some patients, symptoms of dry eye disease may be accompanied by symptoms of
anxiety relating to work, or even depression[8] .
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 Box 1: What is dry eye disease?
The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) International Dry Eye Workshop
(DEWS) II report and guidelines, published in 2017, provides the following defintion
for dry eye: “Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterised by
a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in
which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and
damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play aetiological roles.”
There are two types of dry eye disease, which can occur individually or in
combination:
Evaporative dry eye is associated with an insufficient oily layer in the tear film,
which can occur when the meibomian glands are damaged. Around 80% of
patients with dry eye disease are affected by this type;
Aqueous deficient dry eye, on the other hand, occurs when the lacrimal
glands do not produce enough of the watery component of tears to maintain a
healthy eye surface.

For a visual guide to the pathology of dy eye, the tear film cycle and the treatments
available for dry eye, see the Infographic, published in The Pharmaceutical Journal
Focus supplement.
Sources: ‘Evidence-based understanding of dry eye disease in pharmacy: overview of
the TFOS DEWS II report’ and ‘Dry eye: pathology and treatment types’

Differentiating the causes of CVS

Pharmacists may be the first point of contact for someone who is complaining of dry or
tired eyes, therefore, they need to distinguish which factors might be at play for
particular patients, and if screen use is one of the root causes.

Does the patient have difficulty focusing on the screen?

Refractive errors resulting from uncorrected long-sight (hyperopia), astigmatism or
presbyopia may add to visual stress on the eye. While actual eyesight may be
reasonable, correction of relatively small refractive errors can significantly reduce eye
fatigue and other CVS symptoms[3] . In particular, older people may have glasses for
distance correction and/or reading glasses, but computer screens are at an intermediate
distance, so neither lens enables comfortable focus. Consequently, the patient is
uncomfortable in trying to accommodate (pull focus back) to see the screen clearly, or
over-corrects by leaning forward to read the screen comfortably. Similarly, early middle-
aged people (in their 40s) may struggle with prolonged reading, owing to presbyopia,
and may need some “plus” lens correction. Patients with dry eye may also complain of
blurred vision; however, unlike refractive error, this will usually improve with a blink.

Does the patient have double vision or need to close one eye to read
comfortably?

Looking at objects close up (particularly handheld devices) stimulates convergence of the 3/9
Looking at objects close up (particularly handheld devices) stimulates convergence of the
eyes, and difficulties with binocular vision can sometimes result in double vision, eye
strain, fatigue and headaches. These symptoms are mostly transient because they ease
after resting the eyes away from a digital device, and they are not a problem when
looking into the distance. Intermittent double vision (diplopia) may be caused by
convergence insufficiency, where the eyes do not converge as well as they should. This is
associated with some medical conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s disease), but is not uncommon
in the general population. More rarely, convergence excess can cause difficulties with
binocular vision, but this usually occurs in children. Some adults have a latent squint,
and sustained close work can also cause them to be symptomatic.

Do the patient’s eyes feel dry, tired and scratchy with initial good
vision that blurs, which is helped by a blink?
Dry eyes may be described as gritty or sore with eye redness [6] . Many aspects of
computer use can predispose a person to dry eye disease, as well as having a reduced
tear film, which may be because of too little water (aqueous deficiency) or increased
evaporation because of a poor-quality tear film (evaporative dry eye) — see Box 1. For
example, the tear film is replenished after every blink and studies have shown the blink
rate to significantly reduce during long, concentrated hours on digital devices[9] .
Furthermore, the environment (hot, dry air being circulated in sealed offices) adds to dry
eye symptoms. Some studies suggest a strong correlation between ocular surface
disease symptom scores and the frequency and severity of CVS episodes. The impact of
dry eye discomfort can be greater among contact lens wearers because a well-
functioning tear film plays a vital role in good lens fitting and movement. Older contact
lens wearers tend to be most symptomatic as tear production generally decreases with
age. Pharmacists should consider additional factors when advising contact lens wearers
on treatments for dry eye, see ‘Treatments for dry eye disease’, later.
Differential diagnoses for dry eye disease are numerous. Information on the conditions
and factors that can assist in differential diagnosis have been covered in a previous
article (see [6] ).

Does the patient have neck/backache when using the computer?

Work stress and environmental working conditions may cause a person to adopt a
posture in front of their screen to see better, while causing neck and back strain. The
symptoms may present as neck, back or shoulder ache with transient headaches after
long hours of computer use. Studies have shown optimal seating arrangements with a
carefully considered distance from the screen, and altering image size to provide a more
comfortable working environment, reduces symptoms of CVS[10] (see Figure 1: ‘Computer
vision syndrome — the environment’).

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 Figure 1: Computer vision syndrome — the environment
1. Screen time: individuals using screens should be told the 20:20:20 rule (i.e. every 20 minutes take a 20
second break and focus on an object 20 feet away).
2. Lighting, glare and screen configuration: abnormally bright or dim lighting, large windows or overhead
lighting can form a washout effect on digital screens. The screen should also be positioned 35–40 inches
from the eyes and display unit, where the centre of the screen should be placed 5–6 inches below eye level.
3. Airflow: air conditioning, with hot, dry air can cause dry eye symptoms to be worse, particularly in offices
with no openable windows and with a high airflow.
4. Ocular features: persistant dry eye, blurred and double vision requires referal to an optometrist.

Treatments and recommendations for CVS

The pharmacist can advise patients suffering symptoms of CVS in modifying the
environment where screen use is a problem (usually at work), and on the specific causes
identified.

Take regular breaks

To ease symptoms of fatigue, everyone using screens should be advised to follow the
20:20:20 rule, whereby every 20 minutes, individuals should take a 20-second break and
focus on an object 20 feet away. If the patient sounds like they have dry eye symptoms,
while recommending the 20:20:20 rule, healthcare professionals may suggest to add
blinking 20 times or advice to instil lubricating eye drops during these breaks. No one
should continuously use a screen for hours at a time without frequent breaks. It may be
worth recommending to patients to set an alarm every 20 minutes to remind them to
take eye breaks.

Refer to an optometrist (blurred vision)

If difficulty in focusing is a problem, patients should be advised of the Health and Safety 5/9
If difficulty in focusing is a problem, patients should be advised of the Health and Safety
Executive guidance (i.e. that employers have to provide an eye test if an employee
habitually uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal day-to-day
work)[11]. This is a full eyesight test by an optometrist (or a doctor), and if glasses are
particularly required for screen use, the employer should pay for them[11]. Optometrists
will be able to prescribe appropriate strength glasses for the patient’s preferred working
distance.

Refer to an orthoptist (double vision)

Convergence insufficiency symptoms can be eased with exercises: the patient should
hold a small target at 50cm and slowly bring it towards the face, while trying to maintain
single and focused vision. When the image splits into double, the object is moved away
and the exercise is repeated. These exercises should be performed several times each
day, with the aim of reducing the distance of the object before it splits into double vision.
Referral to optometric or orthoptic care usually results in the patient being prescribed
simple convergence exercises, and others such as stereogram cards to train their eye
muscles at home, and sometimes glasses with a prism incorporated to make reading
easier.

Treatments for dry eye disease

Mild aqueous deficient dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
This can be treated with artificial tears and ocular lubricants[12]. Hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose (hypromellose) was the most commonly recommended ocular lubricant
in 2015. However, a more viscous product such as carbomer 980 may be helpful for CVS
patients because it can increase the time that moisture is retained. Moderate-to-severe
forms may require prescribed topical anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ciclosporin,
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops or corticosteroid eye drops). Sodium
hyaluronate is often recommended for treatment of more advanced dry eye disease.
Evaporative dry eye
Around 80% of patients with dry eye disease are affected by evaporative dry eye, making
this the most prevalent form of the disease. The oily layer of the tear film is significantly
reduced; this could be secondary to untreated anterior blepharitis or meibomian gland
dysfunction. Ocular lubricants may be provided to ease symptoms. Further evidence is
required to determine whether any of the tear film formulations available for
evaporative dry eye are superior when compared with one another.
Administration
Treatments for dry eye disease are available in a range of formulations, including sprays,
drops, gels and ointments. The proposed mechanism of action for newer lipid-containing
artificial tear products involves stabilising the superficial lipid layer, thereby reducing tear
film evaporation[12]. These products may be particularly useful in patients with
evaporative dry eye disease, caused by either environmental conditions or secondary to
meibomium gland dysfunction. Furthermore, some liposomal sprays have been shown
to improve ocular comfort, increase the lipid layer thickness and promote tear film
stability, particularly those containing soya lecithin[12].

Patients should be advised of the various products, their potential modes of action and 6/9
Patients should be advised of the various products, their potential modes of action and
administration methods, to allow them to make an informed decision. Liposomal sprays
may be beneficial for patients with reduced dexterity, who may also struggle with
administering drops or for use in situations where administering drops may be less
convenient. In addition, patients should be advised on appropriate lid hygiene, such as
applying heat to the eyelids (either with a face cloth dipped in hot water or with
commercial microwaveable eye masks), followed by lid massage with the face cloth, or
cleansing the lid margins with lid-specific scrubs or cooled boiled water and a cotton
bud.
Dosage
Many patients only apply treatments when the are symptomatic. This sporadic use of a
treatment will provide temporary symptomatic relief, but will not improve long-term
ocular health. Although manufacturers’ instructions should usually be followed, four
times daily dosage is generally considered necessary for symptomatic improvement[12].
Further recommendations of dry eye treatments can be found in Evans and Madden [12].

Modify the environment

Lighting and glare: Abnormally bright or dim lighting from desk lamps, large windows
or overhead lighting can form a washout effect on digital screens: a discomfort glare.
After long hours of a glare effect, the patient can experience fatigue and musculoskeletal
problems (from constantly changing posture in an attempt to see the screen better).
Screen filters were popular with old-style computer monitors, but the brightness of
modern LED screens can be easily adjusted. Spectacle coatings, such as an anti-reflective
coating, are commonly advised to eliminate surface reflection. However, the evidence
base to support their effectiveness is fairly limited.
Airflow: Air conditioning with hot, dry air can cause dry eye symptoms to worsen,
particularly in offices with no openable windows and with a high airflow. It may be
beneficial for patients to consider where they sit in an office, use humidifiers or open the
window, if possible, and reduce airflow. Lubricant eye drops applied 3–4 times a day can
help replenish the tear film for long hours in front of a computer screen.
Screen and seating configuration: The recommended screen positioning is a distance
of 35–40 inches from the eyes and display unit where the centre of the screen should be
placed 5–6 inches below eye level[10]. Patients with postural problems can arrange an
occupational health assessment at their workplace for proper seating posture advice and
set-up.
Blue light: Blue light is the shortest wavelength in the visible spectrum and carries the
highest amount of energy per photon. In theory, blue light has the ability to cause
photochemical damages to the retina, which may result in damage to cells in the retina
and cause premature death of the cells (apoptosis)[13]. Screens, particularly LED screens,
emit blue light; however, the eye filters much of this light out. Light damage is, in part,
related to the brightness of the light, and modern screens emit very little light (hence no
after-image) — the sun and blue-white LED bulbs emit much more blue light[14]. Blue light
filters will reduce glare so they may help some patients; however, there is no evidence
that they are needed[15]. Blue light suppresses the brain’s release of the hormone
melatonin[16], a sleep-inducing hormone. Sleep patterns help regulate the body’s
circadian rhythm, which is required to moderate the natural clock function on individual
organs and control wakefulness. Consequently, pharmacists and healthcare
professionals should advise patients to switch off all screens at least an hour before
going to bed, to allow a better quality of sleep.
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 RB provided financial support in the production of this content. The Pharmaceutical
Journal retains full editorial control.
UK/O/0717/0033f

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Citation: The Pharmaceutical Journal, December 2017, Vol 299, No 7908, online | DOI:
10.1211/PJ.2017.20203789

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