Computers have become a common fixture in the workplace as desks and chairs, and the ever-increasing reliance on them has taken its toll on the average worker's eyesight in the form of Computer Vision Syndrome. 

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition that results from the stress of focusing the eyes on computer screens for long, uninterrupted periods of time. Add in the skyrocketing popularity of smartphones and mobile gaming devices, and the CVS problem is no longer unique to office-bound workers. 

Fortunately, CVS is a treatable condition, with proper vision care from a qualified optometrist. You can find the qualified optometrist for Computer Vision Syndrome at Dr. Dorio in Toronto.

Computer Vision Syndrome's causes are twofold. The main contributing factor is the difficulty the eyes have focusing on the text displayed on computer monitors. Text printed on paper (and to some extent the text displayed on e-readers) is sharply defined and has a high amount of contrast with the paper on which it is printed.

Text on a computer screen is comparatively less friendly to the eyes due to the varying contrast between it and the backlight of the monitor, the blurry, pixelated nature of the characters, and the constant changing of the display from scrolling through or toggling between tabs and windows. The need to repeatedly refocus the eyes on a constantly moving, poorly defined display is the primary cause of Computer Vision Syndrome.

The other major cause of CVS is excessive computer use. On top of the physical strain of viewing computerized text, the demands of the standard eight hour work day only serve to make things worse.

Computer Vision Syndrome affects an estimated 90% of people who use a computer for more than 3 hours a day. The causes of Computer Vision Syndrome are varied, and its symptoms are as well.

The most common symptoms of CVS are headaches, blurred and/or double vision, difficulty refocusing the eyes, and dry, red eyes. Many people also experience other symptoms that aren't typically related to eye strain, such as neck pain and fatigue.