Time: 2024-07-17
Are your eyes feeling the effects of hours of Screen time ? Perhaps your vision is slightly blurry , your eyes are dry , or you 're starting to get headaches . If so , you may be suffering from digital eye strain or as it 's also known , computer vision syndrome ( CVS ) – and you 're certainly not alone . According to studies , over 70 % of adults in the UK report experiencing symptoms of eye strain due to extended periods in front of screens . These symptoms include headaches , blurred vision , dry eyes , and neck and shoulder pain . With the average adult spending more than 6 hours a day on digital devices , millions of people across the UK are experiencing eye strain and other vision - related issues . Whether it 's for work , education , or entertainment , our increased reliance on screens is taking a toll on eye health . And it 's not just adults feeling the effects.
From children and teenagers who spend hours on educational and recreational devices , to older people who use screens for communication and entertainment , CVS is impacting vast numbers of the global population , and people of all ages . Dry eye syndrome is another common issue exacerbated by prolonged screen time , and of growing concern . This condition , also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca , occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly . This leads to inflammation and damage to the eyes ' surface . Its a chronic and often progressive condition that can significantly impact quality of life.
Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a number of factors , including increased tear evaporation brought on by prolonged screen time and environmental factors like wind , smoke , and dry climates . Blue light is emitted from a range of light sources including the sun , but in recent years it has gained notoriety because of its link to digital screens . Because of the short wavelength of blue light , almost all visible blue light rays pass through the cornea and lens to the retina , causing damage through phototoxicity , and affecting retinal function and shape . To combat the growing issue of eye strain , several innovative solutions have emerged , focusing on blue light filtering as well as other preventive measures and treatments that alleviate symptoms.
Innovations in treatment options have made managing dry eyes more effective . New formulations of eye drops , including those that mimic natural tears more closely and provide longer - lasting relief , have been developed . Light therapy , specifically intense pulsed light ( IPL ) treatment , has shown promise in treating dry eyes by improving the function of the meibomian glands . Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage , keeping the eyes moist for longer periods . Specially designed contact lenses , such as scleral lenses , can provide relief for dry eye patients by creating a tear - filled reservoir over the cornea , ensuring constant hydration and protection . Healthy eye habits and tips such as increasing blink frequency , taking regular breaks during screen time , and adjusting screen settings can also help improve eye health.
With screen time histories looking like a metropolitan cityscape , we are collectively dooming ourselves to a future controlled by our handheld devices . Indianexpress.com spoke to Dr. Vidya Nair Chaudhry , Senior Consultant- Ophthalmology and Refractive Surgery , Aakash Healthcare , New Delhi to understand the impact of screen time on children and the ideal amount they must be exposed to . Studies show that increased screen time impacts children 's attention spans , leading to hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder . Increased screen time can also result in a phenomenon known as quarantine myopia , where children have high negative powers due to prolonged screen exposure . Chaudhry recommends differentiating screen times as educational and recreational , with children below the age of 5 not allowed more than 45 minutes to 1 hour of screen time , that too with parental guidance and supervision.
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