The Truth About CVS!
For starters, we won’t blame you if you thought for a nanosecond this might be about CVS the drugstore; oh not at all! The truth is not many people know what CVS means or what the acronym stands for when it comes to eye health. Since, according to the Vision Council, over two thirds of us actually suffer from this [CVS], we thought it would be a good idea to help you get clear on exactly what that means for you and your quality of life.
CVS, better known as Computer Vision Syndrome, has become one of America’s leading causes for blurry visions, headaches, dry eye syndrome, backaches and even neck aches. Since hurtling into our “Age of Technology” in the last few decades, we’re spending more than half of our time viewing smaller screens at less than two feet of distance. Between our smart phones, iPhones, tablets, and computers it’s a wonder we’ve not completely lost sight of the forest from the trees!
Have you ever wondered why after working on your computer for several hours per work day your eyes begin to water? Experiencing increased fidgety feelings that cause you to take a walk around the office or move around in your chair constantly? Or, do you find yourself taking off and putting on your eyeglasses throughout the day; compensating for clarity and focus in your vision?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then chances are you are experiencing CVS. Part of enhancing and protecting your quality of life is keeping abreast of conditions that compromise it to begin with. For instance, be aware your prescription glasses are made specifically for either extremely near distance or very far distance –not in-between. If you have reading glasses, they are for very close proximity; a distance much less than two feet. The strain on your eyes, when viewing smaller screens to then switch over to viewing distance, increases tremendously when you don’t have the proper eye wear to assist you with your changing points of view — literally.
Not to mention, the strain on your vision when you pupils have spent several hours dilating back and forth is just plain exhausting mentally and physically. Also, the strain on your body from sitting for several hours per day, readjusting your posture, and hunching over to compensate for your blurry vision becomes even more challenging as you try to keep up with the demands of your day. In the end, what might appear as few or minor inconveniences can surmount into a greater concern down the road. Of course, having your ophthalmologist or your Ophthalmologists exam in your eyes moderately throughout the year is always your best course of action.
You may find that obtaining an additional pair of eyewear is just the investment you need and not the extra unnecessary expense many believe. So, the next time you’re in the eye doctors office and the Medical Assistant or Optician on hand asks you those “pesky list of questions” pertaining to your lifestyle, understand that’s just their way of getting a clear view of all the factors that might be robbing you of your precious sense of sight. Remember, it’s not just about 20/20 vision but it’s also about 100% quality of life.
