Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, is characterized by tired and sore eyes, headaches, neck and shoulder pain and general body fatigue. It is the number 1 complaint in the workplace and affects everyone who works on a computer.

CVS is brought on by the way the computer screen works. An image on the screen is made up of thousands of tiny colored squares called pixels. These pixels are constantly changing in color and brightness which causes your eyes to refocus. This constant refocusing is what causes the systems of computer vision syndrome.

The only sure fire method to prevent CVS is to wear specialty prescribed computer glasses. These can range from specialized multi-focal lenses to single focal lenses used specifically uses while using the computer.

However, you can also combat the effects of CVS simply by setting up your workspace. Place your computer screen approximately 20 to 40 inches away from your eyes, directly in front of you and position it so there is little to no glare on the screen. Make sure the screen height is setup properly so it can be viewed without looking down or slouching in your chair. Finally a desk lamp maybe used to provide more light without increasing glare.

While proper arrangement of your workspace will help reduce the effects of CVS, you should consult your eye care provider to fully prevent CVS.

When you blink, tears are produced to cleanse and lubricate your eyes. Excess tears are drained away through the tear ducts into the sinus cavity. That is why your nose runs when you cry.

The tears enter the nasal lactermal duct through the punctum. You can see in this diagram that there is a punctual port on both the upper and lower eye lid of each eye.

If your cornea isn't getting enough moisture, you could have dry eye complications. Often times, dry eye conditions can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops. If this type of therapy doesn't work effectively, other treatment options for dry eyes may include prescription eye drops or punctual plug inserts.

Punctual plugs can be used to partially or fully block the tear ducts to help retain tear film moisture. Your eye doctor might insert temporary plugs that may dissolve in a few weeks to test you for compatibility and effectively. If they work well, your doctor can easily insert permanent plugs that do not dissolve.

Talk to your eye care professional for more information about dry eye syndrome and treatments involving eye drop therapy and/or punctual plugs.