“According to the American Optometric Association, people who use computers daily at work or at home could suffer from computer vision syndrome, which leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain, neck and backaches, light sensitivity and fatigue. Many of these symptoms result from poor workstation configuration and improper work habits, the AOA says.”*
Symptoms of CVS include:
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry eye
• Neck and shoulder pain
The good news these symptoms are not permanent, and they can be minimized by a few simple things. Observing proper ergonomics between your chair, keyboard, computer screen, and printed material, proper lighting and glare reduction screen covers, and the 20-20-20 rule can help avoid the issues. But what can you do if you’re already experiencing these symptoms? Get a massage. Yes, the right massage can help with eyestrain. You see, eye strain is commonly caused by muscle strain or fatigue. Massage can help with that. By using specific, light pressure massage techniques, like CranioSacral Therapy, your therapist can release tension and restrictions in the soft tissue around and behind the eyes. This will let the muscles and connective tissue expand and contract around the eyes allowing them to function properly. Massage can also relax the muscles in the neck and upper shoulders further easing the pain of headaches, and neck and shoulder strain.
*Taken from an article in Computerworld magazine