Priyanka Ray, M.A., B.Ed.
Digital Strategist, Vision Science Academy
Eyes are indispensable for normal functioning of human life. Without vision, life is incomplete, enveloped in darkness. Taking optimum care of eye health will ensure a normal and healthy life.
Whether we are using our mobile phones, televisions, tablets, laptops or going out in the sun we are exposed to a wide range of light rays that affect our eyes. Sunlight mainly consists of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo light rays. These light rays combine to form white light. Blue light rays have shorter wavelengths,(1) higher energy and get scattered easily. Exposure to blue light is often harmful for vision. Not only sunlight but devices we use every day like televisions, computers and mobile phones also emit significant amount of blue light and often give rise to eye related disorders. Excessive exposure to blue light can cause retinal damage and visual disorders such as cancer, cataract as well as macular degeneration.(2) Being exposed to blue light before sleep even interferes with normal sleep pattern since it blocks the hormone melatonin responsible for sleep.
Figure 1: The constant changing of focusing by the ciliary body creates fatigue to the eye and causes accommodative symptoms pertaining to CVS. (Adapted from: Wimalasundera S. Computer vision syndrome. Galle Medical Journal. 2009 Sep 28;11(1))
People who tend to spend long hours sitting in front of computer screens can opt for blue light glasses to reduce eyestrain. Blue light filters are also effective in preventing excessive blue light from reaching the eyes and can be used for devices like computers, mobile phones, and tablets. Another good option for reducing eyestrain is the 20-20-20 rule.(3) Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes to look at objects 20 feet away. It is advisable to adjust the screen brightness and make sure to be seated in the right posture for viewing the screen.
Tired, dry, and itchy eyes are some common examples of eye problems.(4) Eyestrain (5) not only affects the eyes but also causes headache, lack of concentration, sore neck, and back pain. However, taking care of certain essential factors can prove to be beneficial for overall eye health.
Ensure your head is lifted upright as you are sitting straight and is not bent backwards or forward. Furthermore, while sitting in front of a computer display keep your shoulders straight without twisting your body (see, fig 1). Apart from using screen filters you can also use curtains and blinds to adjust normal light. Make sure there are no windows either behind the computer or in front to decrease the harmful effects of significant amount of radiant light. Eyestrain can prove to be a severe challenge if not treated at the right time. Care for your eyes by consulting an eye care specialist if problems with vision persist over a period.
Eyes are like windows through which we indulge in the beauty and pleasures of the world around us. Hence, it is responsibility to take utmost care of our eyes and make necessary changes to our lifestyle in this regard. Pamper your eyes by giving them the care they deserve.
References
- http://www.bluelightexposed.com/what-is-blue-light#:~:text=Blue%20light%20has%20a%20very,measured%20in%20nanometers%20(nm). (Last access: 23-11-2020; 19:35hrs IST)
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/health-news/newsroom/is-blue-light-from-your-cell-phone-tv-bad-for-your-health/2019/05 (Last access: 23-11-2020; 19:35hrs IST)
- https://opto.ca/health-library/the-20-20-20-rule#:~:text=Use%20the%2020%2D20%2D20,at%20least%2020%20feet%20away. (Last access: 23-11-2020; 19:35hrs IST)
- https://healthengine.com.au/info/office-ergonomics-preventing-eye-strain (Last access: 23-11-2020; 19:35hrs IST)
- Coles‐Brennan C, Sulley A, Young G. Management of digital eye strain. Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 2019 Jan;102(1):18-29.
Recent Comments