The computer over the last two decades has created a significant demand for optometric services. People starring at screens for hours on end can cause changes in the visual system. Also bifocal wearers have unique problems with the video displays in the sense that their working distance is usually further away than normal reading and the height in which they view the computer (especially a desktop set-up) varies from their normal reading. A lot of times, the prescription for normal reading is different than the one for the computer. This must be taken into consideration in prescribing for the patient. Also contact lens wearers appear to have more problems when viewing the screen due to the constant close-up content as well as the wearer not blinking enough. This could lead to a dry eye situation.

Over the last few years another form of extreme viewing has occurred. Texting. Here the viewing distance is even closer than normal reading and this over time can have an impact on vision.