Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a catch-all term for eyestrain symptoms. It can affect productivity and leave computer users feeling tired at the end of the day. The syndrome does not cause permanent damage, but even temporary impairment can be bothersome. The symptoms can be easily eliminated.

Vital Stats
The biggest complaint among computer users are eye-related problems, according to the American Optometric Association.

It costs $1.9 billion a year for U.S. companies and employees to diagnose and treat CVS.

About 88 percent of the 66 million people who work at computers for more than three hours a day were suffering from symptoms of eyestrain, according to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Ten million eye exams are given annually in the United States, mainly because of VDT-related problems, according to a recent optometric study.

Computers at Work

Employees at greatest risk of CVS use computers intensively for at least two or more hours on a daily basis.

Employees show an efficiency decline of 4 to 19 percent when they work at a less-than-optimal computer workstation, an American Optometric Association study shows.