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Computer Vision Syndrome: Computer vision syndrome is a group of symptoms related to excessive screen use. This includes eye burning, tiredness, blurring of vision, headaches and even neck pain. Also known as Digital eye strain, over 90 per cent of computer users complain of one or more symptoms of this syndrome. The obvious way to avoid these symptoms is to reduce screen time, however, in today’s digital era, this is not feasible. From school kids to office goers, our dependency on screens is only expected to go up.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Samita Moolani Katara, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Moolani’s Eye Care Centre, Pune explained how to avoid screen-related eye problems.

Watch the video below about home remedies for puffy eyes: 

Eye care practices for all ages

- Take frequent breaks from screen use. We encourage people to take the following steps to reduce digital screen strain.

- Take breaks every 20 minutes, and look out towards an object at 20 feet for 20 seconds. Follow the 20-20-20 rule.

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- Drink sufficient water, eat a balanced and healthy diet and focus on adequate sleep. Adequate hydration helps tackle the dryness on the surface of the eye, by incorporating foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, we can support the precious oil and tear glands of the eye.

- Add humidifiers in dry air-conditioned spaces and avoid drafts of air directed towards the eyes. Air drafts cause drying up of the natural tear film, which worsens the strain on the eyes.

- Do not put organic products or splash water into the eyes as these further dry the eyes and can cause infections.

- Warm moist compresses also help relieve the dryness to a certain extent.

- Preservative-free lubricating eye drops also help with keeping the eye surface healthy and reduce strain and dryness.

Computer Vision Syndrome (Image Credits: Canva)

According to Dr Katara, when the symptoms persist, consult an ophthalmologist. Newer dry eye technology is available beyond just eye drops to treat dry eye. Technologies such as intense regulated pulse light therapy are giving very impressive results leading to reduced dryness, lesser heaviness, and less grittiness especially in those working in IT and on screens all day.

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Ergonomic seating and positioning while working or studying. Make sure that the centre of the screen is at eye level so that the neck is not strained, the chair should have good lumbar support, this helps to avoid cervical and back problems in computer users who sit in one place for long hours.

For children, increasing outdoor time to 2 hours in indirect sunlight has been beneficial in reducing eye power from progressing. Reduce near activities and encourage long-distance activities, so replace tabs and phones with television screens or projectors at 3 metres or more.