
While symptoms are usually transient, the condition can cause significant, frequent, discomfort for sufferers and may have substantial economic consequences when vocational computer users are affected through increased errors and more frequent breaks. 3 Given the massive growth in digital device usage in recent years, many millions of individuals of all ages are at risk of DES. These expressions may be more appropriate for communication with patients and the public, who may not consider devices such as tablets and smartphones to be computers. 1 2 The terms visual fatigue (VF) and digital eye strain (DES) are also used for the condition, reflecting the variety of digital devices linked to potential problems. Given the high prevalence of DES and near-universal use of digital devices, it is essential that eye care practitioners are able to provide advice and management options based on quality research evidence.Ĭomputer vision syndrome (CVS) is characterised by a range of eye and vision-related symptoms and has been a recognised health problem for over 20 years. Recently, several authors have explored the putative role of blue light-filtering spectacle lenses on treating DES, with mixed results. A range of management approaches exist for DES including correction of refractive error and/or presbyopia, management of dry eye, incorporating regular screen breaks and consideration of vergence and accommodative problems. Correlations between objective and subjective measures are not always apparent. DES may be identified and measured using one of several available questionnaires, or objective evaluations of parameters such as critical flicker–fusion frequency, blink rate and completeness, accommodative function and pupil characteristics may be used to provide indices of visual fatigue.

Although symptoms are typically transient, they may be frequent and persistent, and have an economic impact when vocational computer users are affected.

Symptoms fall into two main categories: those linked to accommodative or binocular vision stress, and external symptoms linked to dry eye. Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome, encompasses a range of ocular and visual symptoms, and estimates suggest its prevalence may be 50% or more among computer users.

Simple desktops eye professional#
Digital device usage has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups, so that extensive daily use for both social and professional purposes is now normal.
