Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Ayurvedic Remedies, Tips

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), to explain in simple terms, is the eye strain caused by seeing the computer screen for a long period of time. There are many techniques, Ayurvedic home remedies that can help relieve CVS.

The phenomenon of CVS is very simple.  computer screen is a bright object and constantly looking into it is very straining, which exhibits in various symptoms.
The people who works on a computer for 3-4 hours a day will have every chance to get CVS.

Causes

Over straining of eyes,
Improper sitting position in front of the computer
Lack of relaxation,
Pre existing compromised eye sight,
Inadequate distance from the computer,
High brightness of computer screen

Symptoms

It can manifest with different symptoms such as eye pain, strain, dry eyes, irritation, tiredness, double vision, blurred vision and in some cases headache, neck pain and giddiness. This group of symptoms is called asthenopia.

Seriousness of CVS:
Surely computer vision syndrome is not a dreadful health condition. But it will decrease the work efficiency of the individual.

Tips to prevent CVS

Screen brightness – Adjust the brightness of  the computer screen to an optimum level, neither too dark, nor too bright.

Maintain distance – Maintain a good 30 – 40 cm (12 – 15 inches) distance between your eyes and the laptop screen.

Green scene – It will really help if you can look into a green scene just outside your work area, through a window. If that is not possible, hang a green scenery calendar  and once in a while keep looking into it. Have a green scenery as your screensaver.

Wash your eyes – Wash your eyes and face once in at least two hours. This will reduce the eye strain and will refresh you as well.

Sleep well – A good sleep of eight hours will relieve most of the CVS symptoms.

20-20-20 rule – This rule states that – after every 20 minutes, the computer user should take a break for at least 20 seconds and look at objects that are 20 feet away.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies

After you come home, gently wash your eyes with milk or tender coconut water. It relieves strain.
After work, put slices of cucumber on your eyes and sleep for ten minutes.
In place of a cucumber slice, you can also use lotus leaf, lotus petals, if it is available.
Once in a while undergoing Ayurvedic treatments such as Tarpana and Shirodhara. It will relieve headache, neck pain, giddiness etc CVS symptoms.

Triphala for CVS:
1 teaspoon of Triphala powder or 1 Triphala capsule at night along with a teaspoon of honey and 5 drops of ghee is a good remedy for CVS. It can be continued for 6 – 8 weeks time. Read more about this remedy

Amla – Indian gooseberry for CVS:
Amla, being rich in anti oxidants is one of the very useful herbs for eye care. Amla powder – half a teaspoon twice a day or Amla capsule – once or twice a day for a month is good for treating CVS.

Moisturising eye drops –such as Isotine eye drops, Ophthacare eye drops etc can be used to reduce irritation and to improve moisture. But these should only be used after consulting a doctor.

Usage of Special glasses
Special glasses  prescribed by the eye specialists help to prevent problems related to the focus and eye strain.

Ayurvedic therapies

Ayurveda explains several therapies to reduce eye strain and fatigue with easy to follow procedures. The important therapies are –

a)Tarpana: Special medicated ghee  of choice (like Triphala ghrita, Maha triphala ghrita, Jeevantyadi ghrita, Amalaka ghrita, Yashti ghrita etc) according to the condition and stage of the illness is filled inside a well constructed around the eye ball and retained for 5-10 minutes. This is followed with necessary oleation, sudation etc
Read related: Netra Tarpana Treatment For Eye Care: Benefits, How To Do?

b) Putapaka swarasa –Like the above procedure, medicated fresh juice obtained on sudation(putapaka method) of the drugs like Agasthya, Eranda etc is filled  and the procedure is carried out.
Read related: Tarpana Putapaka – Ayurveda Eye Care – Ashtanga Hrudaya Sutrasthana 24

c) Aschotana- Medicated fresh juice, processed ghee etc are instilled to the eyes in the dose of 1-2 drops.

d) Seka: Pouring of soothing decoctions or fresh juices will help to relieve the fatigue and strain caused in CVS.

e) Pindi-The medicated paste applied over the closed eyes also have significant benefit in CVS.

In all these cases the condition, status, doshic dominance etc are assessed by trained physicians and only then, the procedure is undertaken.

Ayurvedic medicines

Useful Ayurvedic remedies in the treatment of CVS:

1. Saptramrita loha
2. Dhatri loha
3. Dhatryarishtha
4. Amalaki rasayana
5. Triphala choorna
6. Amalaki choorna
7. Chandrodaya varti
8. Triphala ghrita
9. Mahatriphala ghrita
10. Jeevantyadi ghrita etc

Consult a doctor before trying any of the above medicines.
Proper rest while working, correct brightness of the computer screen, Ayurvedic therapies and if needed, a few medicines can surely help in curing Computer Vision Syndrome.