Computer Vision Syndrome
Using Insight to Take Care Of Your Eyesight
In the last couple of decades, technology has changed our lives completely. Today, almost every one of us spends hours each day staring at screens of smartphones, computers or television. While we might not notice, this can cause severe problems in our vision as well as eyes. If you do not take proper care, it can lead to different symptoms, like headaches, gritty eyes, watery eyes, red and sore eyes. Back and neck pain and strain are other factors that can also generate if you sit in the same position while looking at the screen for hours. Computer vision syndrome is a problem that starts when we keep on continuing this lifestyle for a long time.
It is hard for a novice to decide whether he or she requires the help of the neuro-ophthalmologist. Your regular eye doctor is the person who suggests you visit the specialist after depending on the condition of your eyes.
More often than not, the symptoms that make the ophthalmologist suggest the specialist doctor is related to the problems associated with the optic nerve or the diseases that affect the visual pathways (it is the nervous system element that bridges the gap between our brain and eyes).
The irony is, working adults are not the only one suffering from this issue. Having access to smartphones and video games is also leading the children to vision-related issues due to the excessive use of computers. In the last few years, the doctors have seen a remarkable increase in this symptom among the children.
Reasons for Developing Computer Vision Syndrome
There are four different types of reasons for which this syndrome develops among the patients. Take a look at the below section to learn about the causes.
When we keep on staring at a brightly lit screen, our blinking rate decreases significantly. The reduction in the blinking rate leads to the dry eyes, which creates symptoms, like grittiness, sand in the eyes, foreign body sensation, soreness and redness in your eyes.
Prolong staring at a screen that is situated near our eyes can result in convergence spasm in the small muscles of our eyes. Our eyes are built in a way which is not at all favourable to longtime near vision works. It can cause headaches and in some cases, inability to focus.
Back and neck straining is the result of sitting in an improper position for a long time. Most people, while watching television or working on the computer, are not aware of their posture. It leads to severe neck and shoulder straining. Using the wrong kind of chair can also aggravate this situation further. Reading on the screen devices in the bed can also cause significant vision-related issues.
People are more prone to this problem if they have an already existing dryness of the eyes condition. Not wearing the correct power glasses is another reason that can lead to severe computer vision syndrome.
What Are The Methods of Treatment of This Syndrome?
As you might have already surmised, computer vision syndrome is a lifestyle-related issue. Therefore, for this particular problem, prevention is always better than cure. Minor changes in your lifestyle can help you to avoid developing this syndrome while enjoying the screened devices without any issues.
Here are some changes that the doctors recommend. Check them out and try to incorporate them in your life. It would help you to avoid developing the syndrome once and for all.
People are more prone to this problem if they have an already existing dryness of the eyes condition. Not wearing the correct power glasses is another reason that can lead to severe computer vision syndrome.
Limit Screen Time: You should be aware of the time you are spending on different types of on screen devices. It would help you understand your dependency on the screens and plan to curb the dependence on mobile devices.
Ensure Proper Posture: While working on the computer, you should always make sure that your keyboard is in such a position that your wrists get support all the time. You should also make sure that the computer is positioned in such a way that you have to look down at the screen while working. Ideally, the screen should be at least 4-5 inches below your eye level. And about 25-28 inches away from the eyes. Do not read on any screened device while lying on the bed or while you are in a semi-reclining position.
Always Take Brake: You should never work continuously on a computer without taking a break. Always remember the 20-20-20 rule. After working for 20 minutes, you should take a 20 seconds break and stare at something located 20 feet away.
Remember to blink: Since, most of the problems that crop from using the screen excessively, you should train yourself to blink more often. Blinking helps to redistribute the tear film in your eyes, which prevents the dryness and protects your eyes.
Proper Light: It is better not to work on a screen in dark surroundings. Always make sure that there is ambient light while you read or work with a screened device. Also, remind yourself to adjust the brightness of the screen. Always adjust the brightness of the screen to the ambient light. It would help to reduce eye strain significantly.
Wear spectacles: You should visit your ophthalmologist regularly to make sure your eyes are alright and your prescription eyeglasses are up to date. Also limiting the usage of the contact lenses can work in your favour. Keep in mind that overusing the contact lenses can increase the strain on your eyes and aggravate the dryness.
Use Teardrops : Use over the counter lubricating eye drops that soothes your eyes. Never use the home remedies like honey, rose water etc. in your eyes. It is better not to self medicate or use the steroid drops if the medicine is not prescribed by any doctor.
See Your Eye Doctor: In case your symptoms prolong, you should get in touch with your ophthalmologist for comprehensive eye treatment. Always remember, the symptoms of the computer vision syndrome can also mean that you have an undiagnosed refractive error in your eyes.
The Best Eye Care Center of Delhi
Being one of the top most eye care centres of Delhi region, we can say proudly that we care for the eye health of our patients. Led by the renowned ophthalmologist Dr Surya Kant Jha, our robust team of experienced doctors takes care of even the smallest of symptoms, so that it gets developed into a more serious eye condition. We not only treat your vision issues but also stay by your side at every phase of the recovery.
FAQ
Patients suffering from certain conditions that might lead to corneal blindness should go for corneal transplantation. The conditions are mentioned below:
- Scarring of the cornea from past injuries, infection, or surgeries.
- Keratoconus causes thinning of the cornea.
- LASIK complications
- Swelling in cornea because of hereditary weakness
Corneal transplantation, also known as corneal grafting is a procedure to rectify the blindness that is caused by corneal disease. The operation requires the removal of the damaged cornea and replacing it with healthy corneal tissue. The corneal tissue is either entirely implanted or partially implanted. The corneal tissue is taken from a deceased person with no eye disease.
The vision starts to improve with time, provided the surgery becomes successful and the tissue or graft is well-accepted by the eye of the recipient. However, the healing takes time and the patient might be advised glasses.
