Are you at risk of Computer Vision Syndrome?

Introduction

During this modern era, computer has become one of the most common office tools used in the organizations. With increasing amounts of office workers using digital devices as part of their daily work routine, they can easily suffer from computer vision syndrome (CVS).

CVS is a condition in which a person experiences eye discomfort or vision problems as a result of prolonged working on a computer. Frequent exposure to electronic screens can lead to eye fatigue, eyestrain, headaches, irritation or itching of eyes, blurry vision, shoulder pain and the overall degradation of eye health over time.

Don’t let the risk of eyestrain and its effects continue to rise. There are natural herbs like bilberry, eyebright and lycium which are beneficial for nourishing and strengthening the eyes.

Bilberry

Bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus) contains a type of flavonoids called anthocyanins that are believed to be the key bioactive in delivering numerous health benefits. Anthocyanins are plant pigments responsible for the dark blue, purple or black coloring of fruits, stems and leaves. Due to its antioxidant properties, bilberry is able to scavenge free radicals that disrupt collagen structures and reduce oxidative stress in the eyes. In addition, bilberry also helps to improve eyes capillary blood flow and enhance visual acuity in dim light.¹

Eyebright

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is a European wild plant, traditionally used to treat eye irritation. Its active component, tannin is a naturally occurring substance found in plants, seeds, bark, leaves and fruit skins. Tannin has been used medicinally to decrease eye inflammation and provide a protective film over the surface of the eye.² It is especially helpful in relieving the symptoms of eyestrain.

Lycium

Lycium, or also known as goji berry, is consumed regularly among Chinese as herbal remedy to improve eyesight. As a source of carotenoid, it exhibits antioxidant action to prevent free radical damage to the cells. Those with poor night vision and blurred vision can benefit from consumption of lycium.

Apart from the helps of traditional herbs, there are some tips that we can practice to reduce symptoms of CVS:

• Get to know 20/20/20 rule – If you work on a computer at your desk, take a break every 20 minutes and look somewhere 20 feet away for 20 seconds to allow your eyes a chance to refocus.
• Remember to blink your eyes – To minimize your chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, try to blink frequently in order to keep your eyes moist.
• Adjust sitting posture – Monitor is at comfortable reading distance and its top should be aligned with your eyes so that your neck is in a neutral and relaxed position. Chairs should be comfortably padded and conform to the body.

Since March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, do take this chance to learn some ways to take good care of your eyes. Do not take your vision for granted. It is important to realize the significance of protecting your eyes in order to improve the quality of your work and life.