Screens today are nearly a part of life in the digital era. Whether it is the mobile phones and laptops, the television and the tablets, people of all ages are dependent on the digital gadgets to work, study and entertain.
Although this has made life less difficult, cases of digital eye strain have also risen up as one of the most prevalent eye complaints of the modern generation as experienced by people in Patiala and its surroundings.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome is a set of eye and vision conditions that are brought about by excessive screen time.
The disorder occurs in adults and children, particularly in those who take more than several hours per day using computers or smartphones.
The most frequent symptoms are dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, watering, burning, stiffness of the neck, and inability to focus. These problems tend to manifest themselves following prolonged screen time devoid of interruptions.
This is mainly because the eyes are strained when looking at a digital screen. Blinking becomes minimal, eye muscles remain in a continuous state of tension and the eye contrast or glare of screens causes the eye muscles to work harder than normal.
How Screen Time Affects Your Eyes
Long screen time has a number of effects on eye comfort and vision.
Once you stare at a device too long, you have a reduced rate of blinking. This causes one of the first symptoms of digital discomfort i.e. dry eyes. The tear film is unstable leading to irritation, redness or a gritty sensation.
Constant concentrating effort is another problem. The screens are placed close to each other, therefore eye muscles are in constant motion to keep the eye sharp. This is continuous working which results in eye fatigue and headaches.
Screen blue light is also a cause of discomfort. Even though it does not permanently damage it may disrupt the sleep patterns and increase the strain in the long hours of work.
Shoulder and neck strain are common side effects of poor posture when using the devices. Most individuals in offices or homes are too close to the screen, improper lighting or even slouching during work and this adds to discomfort.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can experience digital eye strain, but certain groups are more vulnerable:
- Online students or students who spend many hours in front of the screens.
- Remote workers and office workers that use laptops on a daily basis.
- Children due to the fact that their system of focusing is still in the process of formation.
- Gamers, who watch a lot of time with their eyes glued to the screens.
- Individuals who have visual defects like farsightedness or astigmatism but have not been corrected.
- Patients already affected with the problem of dry eyes.
Those who request assistance from an eye specialist in Patiala, particularly those in computer intensive work or those in coaching schools and colleges tend to fall into these categories.
Prevention Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Small changes in daily habits can greatly reduce discomfort.
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away and take 20 seconds. This relaxes eye muscles.
- Blink deliberately: This will avoid the occurrence of dryness and will keep the tear film healthy.
- Ensure good screen distance: The devices should be placed at the length of the arm and at the eye level or slightly lower.
- Brightness: Set your device brightness to room brightness. Lessen the glare and do not have very dark rooms with screens.
- Install blue-light filters: Night mode or reading mode is available in most devices to alleviate strain.
- Take short breaks: Stand up, stretch, and close your eyes after every one or two hours.
- Make your eyes moist: Take plenty of water and in case of necessity apply lubricating eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist.
- Ensure proper room lighting: Equal lighting helps to minimize glare and makes using the screen more comfortable.
The practices are particularly useful to students, professionals, and parents in need of a reputable eye clinic in Patiala to treat the symptoms of recurrent eye strain.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Some signs require professional evaluation:
- Persistent blurred vision
- Several headaches upon or after screen time.
- Problems with attention on both close and distant objects.
- Red or swollen eyes
- Always having the urge to rub your eyes.
- Light sensitivity suddenly becomes high.
When the symptoms persist despite precautionary measures, it can be a sign of uncorrected refractive errors or a sign of precocious dry eye disease.
Consistent visits to an ophthalmologist in Patiala can identify and control these problems at an early stage.
How Garg Eye Hospital Can Help
Garg Eye Hospital is an accredited NABH hospital that offers residents with high-quality eye care services, including a full eye check-up, the latest available eye testing equipment, and services to treat digital eye strain, dry eye problems, and refractive lenses.
The hospital also has an optical shop within the hospital where computer glasses and protective lenses are available and thus, it makes it a very convenient option to the families in Patiala and the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The digital screens have become inevitable aspects of life but they may pose a strain to the eyes, when they are used continuously, without taking a break or adopting the right habits.
To preserve your vision in the long-term, it is important to understand the impact of screen time and implement a few simple preventive measures, as well as schedule regular eye examinations.
In case you feel the continuous pain or the signs of the digital eye strain, you might want to visit Garg Eye Hospital in Patiala and get the professional evaluation and individual instructions.
