In 2011, Professor Mark Rosenfield’s review on Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) tackled a modern problem head-on. In a world increasingly dominated by screens — from desktop computers to smartphones — his work provided crucial early insights into a condition now affecting millions worldwide.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, computers were becoming essential in daily life, both at work and at home. But with this digital revolution came a rise in complaints: eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and even double vision. What connected these symptoms? Professor Rosenfield’s 2011 review offered an important answer: Computer Vision Syndrome.

Rosenfield brought together existing research to paint a clear picture of CVS, highlighting how extended screen use created a perfect storm of ocular and visual issues. At a time when evidence was scattered and incomplete, his paper gave eye care professionals a much-needed framework to understand and address patients’ complaints in the context of rapidly evolving technology use.

Before Rosenfield’s review, there was limited research clearly linking the physiological mechanisms behind CVS symptoms to specific aspects of screen use. His work helped highlight how factors like reduced blink rate, poor screen ergonomics, and visual demand could cause or worsen these symptoms.

Moreover, the paper served as an urgent call to the profession: screen time was rising fast, and eye care needed to keep pace. Rosenfield's review helped bring CVS into the mainstream conversation, encouraging researchers and clinicians alike to take the issue seriously and to look for effective interventions.

The influence of Rosenfield’s work can still be felt today. His 2011 paper sparked a wave of subsequent research investigating not just the causes of CVS, but also how best to manage and prevent it. Recent studies, like those by Sheppard and Wolffsohn (2018) and Pavel et al. (2023), have expanded our understanding and provided practical strategies for alleviating symptoms, such as taking regular breaks, adjusting lighting and screen settings, and using appropriate optical corrections.

For optometrists, Rosenfield’s review laid the groundwork for new approaches to patient care. Today, it’s common practice to ask patients about their screen habits during routine eye exams, to offer advice on managing digital eye strain, and to recommend lifestyle changes and treatments tailored to heavy device users.

His work also informed public health resources: the College of Optometrists, for example, incorporated this research into patient information leaflets on lifestyle-related eye care and dry eye management. Millions of these resources have been distributed to patients, helping countless people recognise and manage CVS symptoms.

As screens continue to dominate our work, learning, and leisure, the impact of Professor Rosenfield’s 2011 review has only grown. Thanks to his early leadership in highlighting Computer Vision Syndrome, today’s eye care professionals are better equipped to diagnose, manage, and advise on this now common condition.

Next time you counsel a patient complaining of eyestrain or dry eyes after long hours at a computer, remember: Rosenfield’s work helped ensure that optometry stayed one step ahead in our ever-more digital world.