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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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Understanding and Treating Computer Vision Syndrome: A Guide from Eyedeology Dry Eye Clinic in Calgary

girl rubbing her eyes due to prologed computer use

In today’s digital age, where screens have become an integral part of our daily lives, a new health concern has emerged: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Eyedeology Dry Eye Clinic in Calgary understands the significance of this issue and aims to provide valuable information on CVS, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and its connection to dry eyes.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?

Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, is a condition that arises from prolonged exposure to digital screens, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. It affects people of all ages who spend significant time in front of screens for work, leisure, or education.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome:

  1. Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time can lead to eye fatigue, characterized by aching or tired eyes.
  2. Headaches: Frequent headaches, often starting at the forehead or temples, are common symptoms.
  3. Blurred Vision: Your vision may become blurry or fluctuate during or after screen use.
  4. Dry Eyes: A common symptom, dry eyes can lead to discomfort, redness, and a gritty sensation.
  5. Neck and Shoulder Pain: Poor posture while using digital devices can result in neck and shoulder pain.
  6. Difficulty Focusing: You might find it challenging to shift focus between screens and printed materials.
  7. Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, especially from screens, can be a sign of CVS.
  8. Double Vision: Seeing double images or words can occur when your eyes struggle to work together.

Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome:

  1. Prolonged Screen Exposure: Spending hours in front of digital screens without breaks is a primary cause.
  2. Poor Lighting: Insufficient or excessive lighting can strain your eyes.
  3. Improper Screen Position: Incorrect screen height or distance from your eyes can contribute to CVS.
  4. Uncorrected Vision Problems: Existing eye conditions, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, can worsen symptoms.
  5. Blue Light Exposure: Screens emit blue light, which can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to CVS.

Computer Vision Syndrome Glasses:

Computer Vision Syndrome glasses, also known as computer glasses or blue light-blocking glasses, can help alleviate CVS symptoms. These specialized eyewear options are designed to filter out blue light and reduce glare, providing relief from eye strain and discomfort during screen time.

Treatment and Prevention of Computer Vision Syndrome:

  1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at an object at least 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
  2. Proper Lighting: Ensure balanced and adjustable lighting in your workspace to reduce glare and screen reflections.
  3. Screen Position: Position your screen at eye level, about 20 inches away from your eyes, and adjust the screen’s brightness and contrast.
  4. Blink Frequently: Blinking helps maintain proper eye moisture and reduces dry eye symptoms.
  5. Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular eye examinations with a dry eye specialist in Calgary to address any underlying eye conditions.
  6. Blue Light Filters: Consider using blue light filters on your devices or wearing blue light-blocking glasses.
  7. Ergonomic Workspace: Maintain good posture and use ergonomic furniture to reduce neck and shoulder pain.
  8. Artificial Tears: Use lubricating eye drops like Xiidra and Cequa medicated drops to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Treatment Options at Eyedeology Dry Eye Clinic in Calgary:

  1. Dry Eye Assessment: The first step toward addressing your dry eye concerns is to schedule a Dry Eye Assessment with one of our experienced optometrists. This assessment aims to identify the root cause of your dry eyes, allowing us to create a personalized management plan tailored to your specific needs.
  2. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy targets inflammation in the eyelids, reduces redness, and stimulates healthy oil gland function. This treatment addresses the root cause of dry eye disease and can improve symptoms.
  3. Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: RF treatments unclog meibomian oil glands in your eyelids, improving the release of natural oils into the tear film. RF can also be used for non-surgical lid-lift (blepharoplasty) treatments for saggy eyelids.
  4. iLux Treatment: iLux is a gentle, light-based heat therapy that warms the inner and outer lid to unblock meibomian oil glands, preventing tears from evaporating.
  5. BlephEx Treatment: If you suffer from Blepharitis, our clinic offers BlephEx treatment to help manage this condition.
  6. Umay Rest – Thermal Meditation Device: Our clinic provides the Umay Rest device, which offers a soothing thermal meditation experience to promote eye relaxation.
  7. Artificial Tears: Preservative-free artificial tears can provide immediate relief from dry eye symptoms.
  8. Lubricating Eye Gels or Ointments: These products offer long-lasting lubrication and are particularly helpful for nighttime use.
  9. Prescription Eye Drops: Medicated eye drops approved by Health Canada can increase the eye’s natural ability to produce tears.
  10. Eyelid Hygiene Products: Proper eyelid hygiene is essential for managing dry eye symptoms, and our clinic offers a range of products to support this.
  11. Eye Masks: We offer electronic eye masks and other types of masks to soothe and moisturize your eyes.
  12. Moisture Goggles: These specialized goggles help retain moisture around the eyes, preventing tear evaporation.
  13. Vitamins and Supplements: Our clinic recommends vitamins and supplements specifically designed to improve eye health and alleviate dry eye symptoms.
  14. Punctal Plugs: For more advanced cases of dry eyes, punctal plugs may be recommended to prevent tear drainage, keeping your eyes moist.
  15. Scleral Contact Lenses: In certain situations, our optometrists may suggest scleral contact lenses to create a moisture barrier and prevent tear evaporation.
  16. Blood-Derived Eye Drops: If you have a history of laser refractive surgery, our optometrists may discuss blood-derived eye drops as a potential treatment option.

Computer Vision Syndrome and Dry Eyes:

It’s important to note that prolonged screen time can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. If you experience both dry eyes and CVS, seeking treatment from a dry eye clinic in Calgary, such as Eyedeology, is essential. Their team of optometrists specializes in dry eye treatment and can provide personalized solutions to alleviate your discomfort.

Computer Vision Syndrome is a growing concern in our digitally connected world. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatments is crucial for maintaining eye health. Eyedeology Dry Eye Clinic in Calgary offers expert guidance and treatment for both CVS and dry eyes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your eye care needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (587) 353-5061 or visit http://eyedeology.ca/services/dry-eye-treatment-calgary-clinic/ to book an appointment and receive the help you need to manage and prevent Computer Vision Syndrome.

Your eyes deserve the best care, and Eyedeology is here to provide it.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134