Latest news with #ComputerVisionSyndrome
News18
27-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Staring At Screens All Day? Ophthalmologist Shares How To Save Your Sight
Last Updated: In a screen-dominated world, young professionals are staring at their screens for increased durations. This has led to a rise in cases of Digital Eye Strain. In today's hyperconnected lifestyle, screens are everywhere – from laptops and tablets to smartphones and smart TVs. While technology has made life more efficient and accessible, prolonged screen use has introduced a new health concern: digital eye strain. Also known as computer vision syndrome, this condition affects millions of people who spend long hours staring at digital devices. Understanding Digital Eye Strain ' Digital eye strain is not a disease but a collection of eye and vision-related problems resulting from extended screen use. As we enter a new age of increased technology use, more attention is being focused on the emerging cases of Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome, especially among young professionals, college students and even school-age children," explains Dr Monesh Moolchandani, MS, Ophthalmic Surgeon at Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Pune. Some of the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain include eye fatigue, temporary vision loss, dry eyes, and spasms of the eye. Some of the factors which bring this condition about are low blinking rates, excessive near-sighted focus, bad screen posture, and too much HEV blue light. 'Poor posture, improper lighting, screen glare, and uncorrected vision problems can worsen these symptoms. With the average adult spending more than seven hours a day in front of screens, often longer for remote workers and students, the need to take preventive measures has never been greater," stresses Dr Moolchandani. Fortunately, a few mindful habits can help prevent or reduce digital eye strain. Symptoms of eye strain can be managed with adequate measures. To manage stress on the eyes caused by technology screens, the '20-20-20" rule permits one to take a break every twenty minutes to focus on an object located 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Each time the eyes are lubricated with preservative-free drops, the discomfort fades. 'Filters which block blue lights or glasses which are treated with special coatings which are claimed to reduce HEV light may be able to lower possible risks of phototoxic damage. However, further research on this remains to be seen," said Dr. Moolchandani Optimise Your Workspace Ergonomics play a key role in preventing discomfort. Position your screen so that it is slightly below eye level and about an arm's length away. Use chairs that support good posture and avoid sitting in dim lighting, which forces your eyes to work harder. Anti-glare screen protectors or blue light filters can also reduce strain. Blink More, Blink Often When concentrating on a screen, people tend to blink less frequently, sometimes up to 50% less. This leads to dry, irritated eyes. Making a conscious effort to blink more can help maintain natural eye moisture. Keeping a bottle of lubricating eye drops handy can also relieve dryness, especially in air-conditioned environments. Adjust Screen Settings Most devices allow customisation of brightness, contrast, and font size. Adjusting screen brightness to match your surroundings reduces strain. Enlarging text size makes reading easier, and switching to dark mode can be gentler on the eyes during prolonged reading. Limit Unnecessary Screen Time Being intentional with screen use is also crucial. Reducing unnecessary scrolling, especially before bedtime, can improve sleep quality and overall eye comfort. Set screen-free zones or time blocks in your day to allow your eyes regular breaks from digital exposure. Annual Eye Checkups Matter Dr. Moolchandani further says, 'A thorough eye examination is needed when refractive errors, dry eye syndrome, or problems with eye teaming skills are suspected. While digital screens and other devices may be essential in today's society, they can be mitigated with preventive measures and proper eye care. In a world where screens are unavoidable, taking steps to protect your vision is essential. Small, consistent changes in daily habits can help minimise digital eye strain and preserve long-term eye health. First Published: July 27, 2025, 17:52 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Are screens, ageing, and a boom in eye centres changing eye care in India?
There's a rapid surge in demand for eye care services in India, mostly driven by a combination of rising digital dependency, growing awareness, and an ageing population, say hospitals and clinics mushrooming across urban and semi-urban areas, ophthalmologists say the country's eye health landscape is undergoing a transformation, both in challenges and opportunities.'The rising population, increasing educational levels, sustained GDP growth, and the influence of mass and social media have all contributed to greater demand for eye care,' says Dr. E. Ravindra Mohan, Director of Gleneagles Eye Centre at Gleneagles Hospital, He adds, 'There has also been a boost from government and private sector initiatives and innovations in Indian eye care delivery systems.'SCREEN TIME, AGEING AND CHRONIC ILLNESSES: A TRIPLE THREATOne of the biggest contributors to eye issues today is lifestyle. The excessive use of digital devices from smartphones to laptops has led to a surge in Computer Vision Syndrome and dry eye disease, doctors rising life expectancy means more people are living long enough to develop chronic age-related eye disorders like cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.'In children, we're seeing a rise in myopia due to reduced outdoor play and prolonged near work,' says Dr. Mohan. 'In adults, there's an explosion of patients with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration—largely due to the increase in diabetes and the near-universal use of screens.'Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal, Head of Clinical Services at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital in New Delhi, adds, 'Longer life spans and digital overexposure are major factors. But so are systemic health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, all of which affect eye health. Even premature infants now face higher risk of retinopathy due to improved NICU care.'ADVANCED TECH IS TRANSFORMING EYE CARETechnology is playing a game-changing role in how eye diseases are diagnosed and treated. The revenue generated by the eye care market has mounted to Rs 591 crore (approximately) in 2025 till now, and it is projected for an annual growth rate of 5.12% from 2025 to 2029 (CAGR 2025-2029).From advanced imaging tools to AI-driven diagnostics, eye care is becoming more precise, minimally invasive, and accessible.'Ophthalmology involves considerable investments in diagnostic, meaning tools to measure, study and digitally document every part of the eye,' says Dr. includes lasers, ophthalmic microscopes, phacoemulsification systems and AI-based diagnostic platforms. "Diagnosis has become easier and more accurate, and treatment is now safer and more effective," he Titiyal agrees: 'We're using AI to plan cataract surgeries, calculate intraocular lens power, and even detect glaucoma and corneal diseases early. Diagnostics are now a vital part of our treatment strategy.'advertisementTHE URBAN-RURAL DIVIDE IN ACCESS TO EYE CAREDespite these advances, access to quality eye care remains uneven across Tier 1 cities are well-equipped, many rural and underserved areas still lag behind.'There is a clear gap, especially in states with lower per capita incomes or difficult terrain. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have managed to reduce this gap due to better urban-rural integration, but in states like Bihar or Himachal Pradesh, the disparity is wider," says Dr. are underway to bridge this divide. Dr. Titiyal highlights initiatives like improving vision centres and training ASHA workers to screen for eye diseases.'Telemedicine is helping too. Health workers can take eye photographs and send them to ophthalmologists for remote diagnosis. But we need more collaboration between the government, private players, and NGOs," he GROWING CASE FOR PREVENTION AND EARLY SCREENINGBoth doctors agree that prevention is the future of eye care. School screenings, community-based diabetic eye checks, and awareness campaigns could help catch problems before they turn severe or lead to eye care sector might be evolving with increased demand for services, but to truly meet it, there has to be a shift from treatment to prevention, from urban strongholds to rural outreach, and from conventional care to tech-powered innovation.- Ends advertisement
News18
03-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Find Out How Digital Fatigue Triggers Dry Eye
Prolonged screen time especially with computers, tablets, and smartphones decreases blink rates, causing the tear film to break down and the eyes to dry out Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), can lead to dry eye symptoms due to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation while using digital devices. Prolonged screen time especially with computers, tablets, and smartphones decreases blink rates, causing the tear film to break down and the eyes to dry out. Digital eye strain has emerged as a growing healthcare concern in recent times. By Dr. Chaitra D., Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital, Tumakuru shares all you need to know: Online education and work-from-home setups have become the new norms since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This sedentary lifestyle, combined with excessive visual activity, impacts both ocular and general health hygiene. It's a common issue in today's digital world, where extended screen time is often unavoidable. Symptoms Symptoms of digital eye strain include eye discomfort, fatigue, dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. Factors Triggering Dry Eye Reduced Blinking: When focusing on a screen, people tend to blink less frequently. Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly across the eyes and keeping them moist. Tear Evaporation: Reduced blinking increases tear evaporation, leading to dryness and irritation. Dry eye and other CVS symptoms can significantly impact work performance and daily activities by affecting focus and productivity. In severe cases, dry eye can be painful and may lower the overall quality of life. Increased screen time and related eye issues have become a significant public health concern, leading to higher healthcare costs and potential productivity losses. Dry eye not only affects well-being but also contributes to a substantial economic burden. Strategies to Prevent Dry Eye Behavioral Modifications: Practice blinking exercises and take regular breaks using the '20-20-20" rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Artificial Tears: Use lubricating eye drops to help keep your eyes moist. Blue Light Filters: Consider blue light-filtering glasses or adjust your screen settings to reduce blue light exposure. Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting and minimize glare from screens and surrounding light sources. Regular Eye Exams: Visit an ophthalmologist regularly to detect and treat any vision problems or underlying conditions contributing to dry eye. Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor recreational activities to reduce screen dependency and support overall eye health.
India Today
02-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Proper posture, micro-break: Preventing eye strain in the world of screens
With digital screens becoming a part of nearly every moment of daily life, especially for children, doctors and researchers throwing caution about a quiet but growing threat to our vision: digital eye strain and its potential to cause long-term Kamal B. Kapur, co-founder and medical director at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals in Delhi, says the problem isn't just how many hours children or adults are spending in front of screens, but how long the eyes are made to focus without adequate no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to screen time but any exposure beyond two hours at a stretch without a break tends to take a toll on eyes, especially for children," says Dr. Kapur. Children, he explains, often don't communicate their discomfort clearly. Instead, they rub their eyes frequently, blink excessively, or hold screens too time, these subtle cues evolve into more serious symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, and a burning sensation in the condition, known medically as Computer Vision Syndrome or digital eye strain, is increasingly common. According to a 2022 review published in Ophthalmology and Therapy, digital eye strain affects between 25% to 93% of screen users, with children reporting similar symptoms to adults, including itching, eye fatigue, and difficulty focusing. Over time, these subtle cues evolve into more serious symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, and a burning sensation in the eyes. () advertisementA related study in BMC Ophthalmology conducted among schoolchildren found that nearly one-third experienced regular visual discomfort during prolonged online learning sessions. These symptoms are the result of constant near-focus effort, reduced blinking, poor posture, and insufficient lighting, all factors that intensify with longer screen area of concern is the rise in childhood myopia, or near-sightedness.A meta-analysis in JAMA Network Open published this year found that every additional hour of screen time per day increased the risk of myopia by approximately 21%.Dr. Kapur notes that the developing eye needs variety and distance to grow properly. 'Constant close-up focus, like what happens with screens, doesn't allow the eye muscles to relax or shift, which over time can lead to refractive errors,' he many turn to blue light filters and night modes as a solution, Dr. Kapur points out that the science behind these solutions is still evolving.'This is one of the most common questions I get from parents: 'Do blue light filters really work?' The truth is, while they may help reduce some glare and eye strain, they are not a substitute for healthy visual habits.'Research supports his view. A 2011 study suggested that while blue light can impact melatonin production and disrupt sleep, especially in children, the content viewed and emotional stimulation from screens often play a larger role in delaying sleep Kapur stresses the importance of practical, daily habits over gimmicks. He recommends that everyone, especially children, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen use should be followed by 20 seconds of looking at something at least 20 feet away. Dr. Kapur notes that the developing eye needs variety and distance to grow properly. () He also advises ensuring that screens are at eye level, rooms are properly lit, and that individuals maintain good posture. Outdoor activity, he highlights, is just as important for eye development.'Natural light has a protective effect. Children who spend at least one to two hours a day outside tend to show fewer vision complaints over time," he Kapur's message is clear: don't wait for symptoms to appear before taking action. Annual eye check-ups, even in the absence of complaints, are essential for early detection and proactive is always better than dealing with correction later. A few small changes in daily routine can protect a child's vision for life," he an age where screens are unavoidable, cultivating mindful screen habits can make the difference between lifelong healthy vision and preventable problems.- Ends
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Yoga for eye health: Natural ways to ease screen strain and boost focus
If your eyes feel dry, itchy, or strained after hours of screen time, you're not alone. In today's digital world, most of us spend extended hours on laptops and smartphones—leading to a very real and growing issue: digital eye strain (DES). But what if relief could be just a few yoga moves away? This International Day of Yoga, let's explore how yoga—traditionally known for enhancing flexibility and calming the mind—can also help relax and rejuvenate your eyes. What is digital eye strain? Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, digital eye strain includes symptoms such as: Blurry vision Headaches Dry or watery eyes Eye fatigue Difficulty focusing 'Digital eye strain happens when the eyes get tired from looking at screens for a long time. Tablets, phones, computers, and even TV screens emit blue light, which can be harsh on the eyes. Prolonged exposure forces the eyes to work harder, leading to strain,' explains Dr Abhishek Varshney, Senior Consultant – Ophthalmology, Max Healthcare. Rub your palms together to generate warmth Gently cup your palms over your closed eyes Breathe deeply and relax for 1–2 minutes 2. Eye rolling – Stretch those eye muscles Improves flexibility and circulation. Sit straight, keeping your head still Look up and slowly roll your eyes clockwise Repeat 5 times, then reverse the direction 3. Focus shifting – Train focus and flexibility Reduces eye muscle stiffness and strengthens focus. Hold your thumb in front of your nose Focus on your thumb, then shift your gaze to something far away Repeat 10–15 times Bonus tips to support eye health In addition to yoga, try these daily habits to keep your eyes happy and healthy: Stay hydrated – Dry eyes are often a sign of dehydration Eat eye-friendly foods – Include carrots, spinach, and omega-3-rich foods Get natural light – Step away from the screen and walk in sunlight when you can Follow the 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds Dr Yogrishi Vishvketu of Akhanda Yoga Institute shares, 'True healing begins when we become conscious of how we hold our body, breath, and attention. Just 15 minutes daily of yoga-based eye care—Palming, Bhramari, or a simple inversion—can reset your visual system and bring your energy back into alignment.' "To support eye health from within, homeopathic remedies like Ruta Graveolens 30, for eyestrain from screens and Euphrasia, for irritation and watering can be considered under guidance."- informs Dr Mukesh Batra, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra's Healthcare. International Day of Yoga: A global reminder for inner and outer health Celebrated every year on June 21, the International Day of Yoga was first proposed by India and officially adopted by the United Nations in 2014. It aims to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga—not just for physical wellness, but for mental clarity and emotional balance as well. This year, Yoga Day falls on a Saturday, making it the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and try a new wellness routine. The theme for 2025 is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', highlighting how individual wellbeing through yoga can ripple outward into families, communities, and society at large. The takeaway Incorporating just a few yoga-inspired practices into your day can help reduce digital eye strain, improve focus, and lift your mood. Think of it as a mini spa session for your eyes—anytime, anywhere. Instead of reaching for eye drops, try a little yoga. Your screen-weary eyes will thank you.
