Computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain,  describes a group of eye and vision related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices. Many people experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods – no surprise when you think that the average person looks at a screen for 7 hours a day! The most common symptoms associated with CVS are: eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. A comprehensive eye examination is required to diagnose CVS. Your Optometrist will look for any uncorrected vision problems as these increase the severity of symptoms. Some people may require an optical correction specifically for the viewing distance of a computer or mobile device to help relieve the prolonged strain on eye muscles when converging for prolonged periods. Modern digital devices tend to produce more blue light. This light causes more strain because it causes more scattering inside the eye. Spectacle lenses with blue light coatings may help reduce the harshness of the light emitted by these screens by blocking out certain wavelengths of blue light. Examination of your tear film is also important to diagnose any problems with the tear film. People viewing digital devices blink far less than normal and perform more incomplete blinks. This causes drying and leads to symptoms of gritty, burning eyes. Artificial tear drops recommended by your eyecare professional can help with these symptoms. The lack of blinking and incomplete blinks can also cause oil producing glands in the eyelids to become blocked. The oil is very important in preventing evaporative dry eye disease. Furthermore, prolonged blockages to these glands is thought to cause permanent loss to the meibomian glands. Your eye-care professional can assess these glands using Meibography. If there are blockages or gland loss, you may be advised on number of treatments such as warm compresses, steam goggles or even in-practice treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light which has been shown to be effective in treating the meibomian glands. CVS also affects posture. It is important to sit on a chair with adequate lower back support, feet flat on the floor and ensure the brightness of the screen matches the brightness of the room. Remember to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break looking at least 20 feet away. Performing regular blinking exercises will also help to relieve dry eye symptoms.