Anyone who works at a computer all day knows that it can be bad for our health. We’ve known for years that staring at a screen all day can cause a host of problems, but have you ever stopped to think about what those problems are?

Computer vision syndrome is a well-documented condition that can cause mild discomfort and sometimes serious pain. Up to 70 million workers globally are at risk of suffering from the condition, according to a report published in Medical Practice and Reviews, and that number is expected to continue growing.

The condition can manifest itself in other ways than just eye pain and strain, it can sometimes be quite severe, but there are ways for it to be avoided and relieved.

Studies suggest that the use of a computer screen or other digital screens like televisions or phones, when used up-close for three hours every day, is likely to cause back problems and eye strain. CVS causes primarily take the form of using modern computer technology and staring at flat screens for too long.

Interestingly, the same effect can’t be shown by reading books for too long, and the answer is in the way screen technology words. Unlike images and text printed on a page, which have sharp edges, most modern screens have pixelated and jagged edges. Images may be blurred, and applications move around the screen and make it difficult for the eyes to focus.

As screen technology gets better this effect is reduced, but while most of the world uses older screens, which are computer vision syndrome causes, the condition is expected to remain widespread.

The most common symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Eyestrain
• Dry eyes
• Difficulty focusing
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

Someone suffering from computer vision syndrome will exhibit at least one of those symptoms, and as the issue gets worse, will likely move on to experience more of them