Editor
15-May-2020
Has screen time gone from sin to survival tool? With an increase in screen time and tired eyes, it can take a toll on your vision. Dr. Nisheeta Agarwala, Consultant Ophthalmologist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, tells you how to protect your precious eyes.
All over the world with the various degrees of lockdown, screen use has definitely increased. Personally, my screen time has increased by almost 15 to 20 percent with being confined indoors. That’s not all bad...this is progress and technology. It is through this that we are connected, educated, and entertained. We are socially distanced but emotionally, we manage to keep in touch with everything- our work, family, friends and self.
What happens when we use the screen far too long?
The eyes do get tired, fatigue does set in. This results in pain, redness, watering, itching, and puffiness. Over a period of time, the problem worsens. The eyes get inflamed, tear secretions reduce, and a ‘dryness’ of the eyes sets in. Often patients will complain of dryness.
What are tears useful for?
The tears are the first layer of defense and protects the eyes from infection. Every time we blink, the tears bathe the eye and wash off pollutants and inflammatory molecules. This transparent fluid covers the delicate cornea and is the first refracting surface and helps in forming a crisp clear image. The image on screens is pixelated and flickers. Whereas, the images in books and newsprint is not pixelated. These images don’t flicker! They are much softer on the eye.
When a person is in front of a screen...
He or she stares at the image. They do not blink enough and do not take any rest which develops COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS).
What can you do to prevent CVS-
1.) A good rule to follow is the 20–20–20 rule to maintain 20/20 vision! After 20 minutes of screen use, it is recommended that you look away for 20 seconds and see an object at 20 feet away. That way the eye is rested. But this doesn’t have to be obsessively followed. All it means, is to take intermittent rest.
2.) The next thing to do is ‘blink’ frequently and completely. Most people blink only 3 to 4 times in a minute against the normal of 12 to 15 times a minute.
3.) Keep the eyes moist. Splash clean water and/or use any one of the many counter tear substitutes which are preservative free. You can use it for 2-3 times a day.
4.) Maintain good posture, avoid slouching and keep the neck relaxed.
5.) The screen should be slightly below eye level, so that the upper lids cover the eyes and prevent drying up of the tears.
6.) Wear prescription glasses. Using progressive glasses may be ok for limited time but for longer periods, you may be prescribed a different prescription for computer use.
7.) The room lights should be adjusted such that the contrast isn’t sharp.
8.) Adjust font size so that reading is comfortable without squinting.
9.) Over and above this, do ensure that eyes and lashes get special attention when washing the face. Make up should be removed completely.
What more you should be careful of and for, is that people with Diabetes, or Hypertension, their eyes are affected if not controlled. Also, smoking can make it deleterious. Regular intake of vitamins doesn’t affect you negatively and any deficiencies of vitamins should be addressed. And hey, regular annual eye checks are recommended!
Do remember to keep your spirits up...Your screen is the world on your fingertips!! And you owe it to yourself to keep your eyes shining bright.
