World Vision Day: This year World Sight Day is being observed on Thursday, October 13. It is an annual global event aimed at drawing attention to blindness and vision impairment. Here we discuss the impact of increased screen time exposure on our eyes and related problems.Also Read – Twitter introduced a new feature, making it easier for visually impaired people to read images
We spend a lot of time looking at our phones, but can phone screens harm our eyesight? India is one of the top three countries with the highest number of smartphone users, and one where more than 10 million people suffer from retinal diseases. Excessive use of electronic gadgets like smartphones, computers and laptops is the main reason behind the increasing burden of eye diseases in India. Also Read – Blue light from gadgets linked to excessive screen time, obesity, psychological problems, early aging: study
The most important tip for good retinal health is to get regular eye exams from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, it can help prevent diseases or detect the condition at an early stage to help manage the disease and prevent vision loss in time with the right treatment. Diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) can lead to significant vision loss or impairment if not managed properly and at the right time. Also Read – 7 Easy Ways to Protect Your Eyes During Summer
Dr. Ajay Dudani, CEO Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Mumbai Retina Center says, “As per my clinical observation, 60% of people aged 60 and above experience some form of cataract, which is age-related and results in gradual loss of vision. 40% of these patients suffer from more severe cases with visual impairments. However, even if cataract patients reach an advanced stage of the disease, they can recover their full vision with surgery.
“On the other hand, glaucoma and retinal diseases can lead to irreversible consequences, including blindness, if the diseases are not treated. For instance, diabetic retinopathy needs to be managed effectively and timely. This risk increases with years of diabetes, with a 90% risk of eye disease for people who have had diabetes for over 20 years. 15 to 20% of my patients also have glaucoma, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and can progress rapidly if individuals do not come forward for follow-ups.
“However, today we are working to scale up technology solutions to increase awareness and simplify the screening process. Several advanced treatment options are available to manage the condition, including eye drops, innovative medications, lasers, or even surgery, along with regular monitoring. Knowledge of and adherence to such treatment options for glaucoma and other eye diseases is critical to promoting optimal eye care.”
Eye problems due to excessive screen time
Staring at a screen for long hours prevents us from blinking as often as we should. This exposes the tear film that protects the surface of the eyes and causes dryness and irritation.
Asthenopia, ocular fatigue or eye fatigue is a condition where the eyes become tired from intense use. Prolonged staring at a computer screen or smartphone is a common effect and can be relieved with rest.
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects central vision and is common in older people. Heavy exposure to blue light from screens damages the retina, leading to early onset of AMD and eventual vision loss. However, by detecting AMD early, you can receive effective treatment for the condition and avoid the preventable consequence of vision loss.
Myopia or nearsightedness is a condition where distant objects are hard to see or appear blurry, while objects near you are clear. Staying indoors and staring at a screen for long periods of time causes your eyes to focus on objects less than arm’s length away, making you susceptible to nearsightedness.
Dry eyes, difficulty concentrating and other eye-related problems due to excessive screen time are the result of the strain on the eye muscles.
Here are some ways to keep your eyes under control:
- Blinking and using hydrating eye drops can prevent dry eyes
- Adjust overhead lighting to reduce screen glare and maintain at least an arm’s length from the computer screen.
- Increase the size of screen content and emphasize taking breaks every 30-40 minutes to reduce stress.
This year, October 13 is celebrated as World Sight Day and aims to raise awareness and encourage individuals to focus on the importance of eye health. Taking proper preventive measures, regular eye examination and timely treatment can help. Don’t forget to keep track of your screen time and also maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to keep your eyes and body healthy.
