Abstract

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AYURVEDA

Dr. Sneha Bandgar*, Dr. Suvarna Golecha

Abstract

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as Digital Eye Strain (DES), is a common occupational and lifestyle-related disorder resulting from prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The rapid expansion of digital technology in education, healthcare, and professional settings has led to a significant increase in the prevalence of CVS worldwide. The condition is characterized by ocular symptoms including eye strain, dryness, burning sensation, redness, blurred vision, and visual fatigue, along with extraocular complaints such as headache, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort. These symptoms adversely affect work performance, academic productivity, and overall quality of life. The pathogenesis of CVS is multifactorial and includes prolonged accommodative effort, reduced blink rate, tear film instability, poor ergonomics, improper lighting, anduncorrected refractive errors. Contemporary management focuses on patient education, ergonomic modifications, scheduled visual breaks, appropriate optical correction, and the use of ocular lubricants. Although Computer Vision Syndrome is not explicitly described in the Ayurvedic classics, its clinical features show close similarity to Shushkakshipaka, Netrashrama, and Vata–Pittaja Netraroga. Ayurvedic principles such as education, ergonomic modifications, scheduled visual breaks, appropriate optical correction, and the use of ocular lubricants. Although Computer Vision Syndrome is not explicitly described in the Ayurvedic classics, its clinical features show close similarity to Shushkakshipaka, Netrashrama, and Vata–Pittaja Netraroga. Ayurvedic principles such as Nidana Parivarjana, Dinacharya, Netra Kriyakalpa, Rasayana Chikitsa, and appropriate Pathya–Apathya may help maintain ocular health and reduce digital eye strain. This review presents an integrative overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, prevention, and management of CVS from both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives. It also highlights the potential role of Ayurveda as a complementary approach in the prevention and supportive management of this increasingly prevalent condition while emphasizing the need for well-designed clinical studies to establish stronger scientific evidence.

Keywords: Computer Vision Syndrome, Digital Eye Strain, Ayurveda, Shushkakshipaka, Netrashrama, Netra Kriyakalpa, Dry Eye Disease.