Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev
The Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals, a pioneer in eye care, has taken proactive steps to address the alarming increase in eye problems reported among office goers in recent times. An astounding 80% of these complaints come from professionals who spend long hours in front of digital screens, further exacerbated by their excessive use of smartphones and social media.
Digital eye strain, characterized by eye discomfort experienced after prolonged exposure to digital screens such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, has emerged as a major concern. This condition has been identified as the primary cause of eye-related issues, accounting for 80% of all patient visits to eye hospitals. The compounded impact of using multiple devices simultaneously is putting excessive strain on people’s eyes.
Statistics reveal that nine out of ten adults spend more than two hours daily on digital devices, with 10% of them spending a staggering three-fourths of their waking hours glued to screens. This constant exposure to technology is a shock to our eyes, leading to symptoms of digital eye strain, including dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and back pain, and headaches.
To alleviate eye strain, several exercises can be incorporated into one’s daily routine. Palming, a technique to soothe the eyeballs, can provide much-needed relief, and convergence exercises can help strengthen the eye muscles.
Prevention is always better than cure. Frequent blinking while looking at screens can prevent eye fatigue and dryness. Ensure sufficient room brightness when working on laptops and take regular breaks away from screens.
Dr. Mahipal further emphasized the importance of regular eye checkups, especially during the winter months when eyes are more susceptible to digital strain. He added, “Digital devices have become indispensable in our lives, and many professionals find themselves constantly checking emails from morning till night. In this routine, we often neglect the early warning signs that could severely impact our eyes in the future. Regular eye checkups are essential to safeguard our eye health.
On World Sight Day 2023, the Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals urges all professionals and digital device users to prioritize their eye health. By adopting these preventative measures and seeking regular eye checkups, we can ensure that our eyes remain healthy and resilient in the face of our increasingly digital world.
(The author is Chairman – Centre For Sight Group of Hospitals)
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