Gadget overuse weakens sight
20% school kids suffer from eye problems
Overuse of mobile phones and laptops is said to cause strain and dryness in the eyes. IT professionals, who are logged in for hours, are the most susceptible, but now with easy access to mobile phones, laptops and tablets, school going children have these eye problems.
A recent study conducted in Navi Mumbai by Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute showed that 20 per cent of school children suffer from diminished vision.
The main reason for a condition called refractive error (an error in the focusing of light by the eye) is genetic — a family history of weak eye-sight — and also due to lack of vitamin A. The presence of either of these factors could be aggravated by overuse of gadgets that strain the eyes. While further research is required to prove the co-relation, the study does raise questions about exposing children to these gadgets at an early age.
Poor lighting, the height of the computer table, posture, and even the time of day when computer/mobile use is most frequent, all play a part in some of the health problems that are surfacing.
Playing computer games before going to bed, for instance, can disrupt sleep patterns and result in disturbed sleep. Staring fixedly at a screen for long hours can cause drying of the eyes.
Says ophthalmologist Dr Manoj Mathur of Swarup Eye Centre, “Any person or child working on the computer, laptop or mobile phone for more than 20 minutes at a stretch will have an itching or irritating sensation (in the eye). This is because the lubricants in the eyes are constantly glistening due to the bright screen. The eye stares constantly without blinking. The normal rate of blinking is 12 to 15 times per minute. When gadgets are used, this reduces to four blinks per minute. This dries the lubricants, causing dryness, redness and irritation.” Constant irritation causes one to rub ones eyes, which causes strain. If this is complemented by other factors, then there is scope for refractive error.
The incidence of poor vision in the Indian population is between two and seven per cent. Around 22 per cent of computer users in the country suffer from computer vision syndrome.
Dr Ratnesh Sharma, cornea and anterior segment fellow at L V Prasad Eye Institute explained, “While working on computers or gadgets the eyesight is direct as opposed to the regular downward position. This stretches the eyes, leading to evaporation of tears. This is the major cause of dryness which later develops into strain.”
Doctors recommend regular eye check-ups from the age of four, especially if there is a genetic predisposition to poor eyesight.
Children are brought to eye centres only when they complain of not being able to see the blackboard in school. “But the problem could have started much before that. Regular screenings in schools will will go a long way in saving vision,” said ophthalmologist Dr Ali Sheikh.