Cybersickness...Digital Vertigo..Computer Vision Syndrome

WHAT IS VERTIGO:

It is a SENSATION OF SPINNING

• Subjective - Feels like you are spinning 

• Objective - Feels like the room is spinning 

• Can be completely debilitating 

• Usually self-limiting by staying perfectly still

• Might need medication / sedation to help resolve

Experts estimate that Around 50-80% experience headaches nausea, migraines, and/or vertigo due to prolonged staring at computer screens and/or staring at smartphones for extender periods of times. 

Computer Vertigo might be immediate or delayed - which could result even later as one is driving a vehicle with the vertigo stimulated by the motion of the car.

Prevention of COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME:

• Keep your computer screen an arm’s length from your eyes. This also applies to your cell phone and tablet.

• If you’re going from one screen to another, try to look away for a moment first, allowing your eyes to focus on something in the distance, before changing screens.

• TAKE REGULAR BREAKS to get up, walk around, and look out a window. Every 30 minutes is best.

• ADJUST YOU LIGHTING. Turn any overhead lights off (if possible) and use natural light and soft lights positioned slightly behind and to the side of your work area.

• LIMIT YOUR TIME on your gadgets as much as possible. Set “end-times” each day after which all gadgets must be off.

IF vertigo persists or episodes recur, see your physician for a complete evaluation to rule out other pathological disorders.