What you need to know about computer vision syndrome

Those who are always working in front of a computer screen for long hours can develop computer vision syndrome (CVS), a condition that causes redness, dryness and a "foreign body sensation" in the eyes from looking at a monitor for an extended period of time, according to Philippine Eye Research Institute director Dr. Leo Cubillan.

"When you're focusing on a screen, you blink less, so mas dry ang eyes mo...Your eyes are accommodating more, [they're] working more. So you'll have pain sometimes, and headache," Cubillan said, in an interview with Maki Pulido in a "24 Oras" report on Friday.

To remedy this, the eye doctor recommended that one's computer monitor must be at eye level, so as not to strain the eyes.

He also suggested following the 20-20 method where people would take a twenty-minute break after looking at a computer screen, and look at an object twenty-feet away, for twenty seconds.

"The natural position of our eyes is 20 feet away. [At] 20 feet, your eyes relax," Cubillan said.

For graphic designer Valerie Cortez, the 20-20 method was a challenge to do.

"Sa dami ng revisions as a graphic designer hindi ko siya totally masusunod kasi tuloy-tuloy siya lalo na 'pag may deadline," she said.

Cortez first complained of redness and dryness in her eyes, which were symptoms of CVS.

CVS does not permanently damage the eyes, according to Cubillan, but those experiencing it might want to try the 20-20 method and adjusting their computer monitors to eye-level.

In another report, Cubillan warned that excessive exposure to blue light from gadgets and the lack of sunlight can damage the eyesight of children. —Angelica Yang/LDF, GMA News