COMPUTER USE IN THE U.S. : Current estimates are that there are more than 75 million Americans using computers on a daily basis. Predictions indicate that fully 70% of the working population will be using computers by the year 2005. In 1991, more than 10 million Americans sought out an eye examination primarily due to problems related to computer use. These numbers are all sure to increase as our dependence on computers continues to grow.

WHAT IS COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) has been defined by the American Optometric Association as "the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use". It consists of a series of signs and symptoms which computer users experience and which are thought to be caused by this type of near point activity.

SYMPTOMS OF CVS: The symptoms of CVS include eyestrain, blurred near or distance vision, headaches, dry or irritated eyes, neck and/or backaches, light sensitivity or double vision. Any combination of these symptoms may be present and should not be taken lightly when examining a patient with these complaints. We will investigate each of these symptoms and discuss possible causes.

VISUAL CONDITIONS AND CVS: There are a number of visual conditions which can contribute to CVS, including dry eyes, accommodative disorders, binocular vision dysfunction, presbyopia, and various refractive states. Each may contribute to the severity of CVS and each must be addressed thoroughly in order to correct the problem. We will discuss the various vision tests which should be performed to adequately survey each condition. On-site vision screening programs have shown to be a valuable addition to resolving these problems.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: There are many options available to treating CVS. We will be discussing the various lens prescribing options, including task specific lenses, as well as the power variations which might be considered. Vision therapy techniques are also very valuable in resolving many of these problems.

ERGONOMICS: Ergonomics is the area of study dealing with the relationship between humans and their work. Environmental influences can have a dramatic influence on which lens prescription should be adopted, as well as the power to be used. We will discuss the various environmental information you should solicit from your patients and some of the recommendations you might consider.