We cannot imagine our world without use of any digital screen. Mobiles, T.V, Laptops and gadgets have become an essential part of day to day life. The digital era has already revolutionised the usage of these electronic gadgets. In the current scenario, the novel corona virus has really changed it all. The new norm is to work from home and attend classes, webinars and consultations online. This indeed has increased the time spent on these electronic and digital gadgets and is the sole contributor of CVS.
Group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use are termed together as Computer Vision Syndrome.
The most common symptoms associated with CVS or digital eyestrain are:
These symptoms may be caused by:
1. Location of the computer screen & Posture Top of the monitor should be at or just below eye level. Higher screen causes strain in the neck and upper shoulder muscles.
Head and neck should be balanced and in line with upper body
Shoulders should be relaxed.
Sit at arm›s length from the computer screen. A shorter distance may cause eye strain.
Position the monitor so that the looks slightly down and not straight ahead or up. Studies have shown that a viewing distance of 90 cms and a slightly downward gaze of 10 degrees reduced ocular discomfort.
A humidifier may be considered for the working room to improve the moisture of the air.
2. Lighting. Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows.
Anti-glare screens. If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
Rest breaks. To prevent eyestrain, try to rest eyes when using the computer for long periods. Resting the eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow the eyes a chance to refocus. This is commonly termed as “Rule of 20”
Blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, try to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the& eye moist.
Regular Eye Check-ups. Regular eye examinations reduce the development of the symptoms associated with CVS. The correct use of glasses with correct power.
There are medications available in form of drops and gels that helps in smoothening the eyes and ease discomfort.
Consider the eye specialist appointment every 6 monthly if your daily digital screen working is more that 8 hours.
The author is the M.S Ophthalmology, Sankara Eye Hospital Jaipur.