Computer Vision Syndrome among IT Professionals: Risks, Symptoms, and Management
As various businesses adopt digital transformation, they need information technology (IT) professionals to lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of new hardware and software. As such, IT professionals are among the most in-demand in the job market and enjoy diverse and lucrative career opportunities.
At the same time, IT professionals face significant health concerns due to the nature of their work. For example, IT-related roles involve prolonged computer usage, which a Heliyon study identified as a primary risk factor for computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is characterized by various vision-related symptoms affecting personal health and work performance. This entails a closer look at the condition and how IT professionals can manage risks and symptoms for long-term vision preservation.
A closer look at computer vision syndrome (CVS)
The same study found that computer vision syndrome (CVS) affects nearly 90% of individuals who spend at least three hours a day looking at computer screens. Since IT professionals mainly use computers to perform crucial tasks like data backup and troubleshooting, they are also at risk of developing CVS.
The common symptoms of CVS include eye strain, irritation, dryness, redness, and blurred or double vision. Such symptoms impair long-term vision health and disrupt IT professionals’ focus, productivity, and overall workplace performance. As such, it’s highly advisable to adopt the eye care tips in the following section to reduce the risk of CVS and manage vision-related problems.
How IT professionals can manage CVS symptoms
Wear blue light glasses
Research associates CVS with prolonged exposure to blue light, the high-energy visible light emitted by digital screens. Blue light can reportedly damage the retina and strain the eyes, making it crucial for IT professionals to wear blue light glasses for optimal digital protection during computer use.
Optical retailer OPSM offers various options for blue light filtering lenses, such as the Eye Protect System, which can reduce harmful blue-violet light and distracting reflection from the screen. Such lens options are available for both prescription and non-prescription eyewear, with the added benefit of scratch resistance to handle everyday usage for work and personal life.
Maintain an ergonomic work environment.
By paying attention to ergonomics, IT professionals can also minimize the risk of CVS symptoms like visual fatigue and discomfort. This starts with maintaining a proper working posture, mainly by sitting straight with relaxed shoulders and the neck in alignment so the eyes can focus and move quickly with little to no strain.
Additionally, work equipment like desks and chairs can ensure an eye-friendly setup. In the same way, gamers need gaming chairs with ergonomic features like back support, IT professionals must consider office chairs that provide comfort and can be adjusted based on the proper working posture. For instance, Value Office Furniture has a lineup of ergonomic office chairs with customizable adjustments like seat height and backrest tilt — allowing computer users to work comfortably without having to squint excessively or view the screen up close.
Take regular breaks
IT-specific tasks like providing technical support, updating systems with fresh data, and conducting data backup and recovery can take hours. But no matter how busy their shifts may be, IT professionals must remember to take regular breaks to help the eyes rest and relax. Short breaks throughout the day can be spent drinking water to reduce dryness or doing eye exercises like blinking and palming to relieve tension in the eye muscles.
By following these tips, IT professionals can protect their vision and achieve greater productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
