Do you look at a screen all day? It could be causing more damage than you think

Highlights

• Blinking is an important function for our eyes, which spreads tears over the ocular surface.
• When blinking stops, the crucial tear film evaporates, causing stress to the cells which line the corea.

Computers have become a necessity for many of us, but they're causing an epidemic of a painful medical conditions for many office workers. Whether it's a phone, a tablet or a laptop, it's becoming increasingly commonplace to see people glued to a screen. Computers and hand-held devices have woven themselves into everyday life, and a vast number of us wouldn't be able to do our jobs without them. While it may come as no surprise that excessive screen time, however necessary, is bad for us, there's been a worrying development associated with it. Office workers are suffering from 'epidemic' problems and it stems from being fixed to a screen all day. Eye hospitals around the globe have seen large numbers of office workers seeking help for the pain and redness caused by hours of computer use. According to reports, the symptoms many patients are complaining of are dryness, tiredness, swelling or a gritty feeling. What's more, according to Daniel Ezra, consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, "Some people carry on going at work, despite their eyes being uncomfortable and even red-raw." However, the extent of the damage stretches further. Blepharitis is a common condition where the edges of the eyelids become red and swollen and Dr Ezra estimates it affects up to 15 per cent of people who use screens a lot.

- Blinking is an important function for our eyes, which spreads tears over the ocular surface. How frequently we do it is called 'blink rate'.

- But high screen illumination causes a decrease in blink rate — looking at a computer screen, a smartphone or a tablet can decrease the blink rate by up to 60 per cent.

- When blinking stops, the crucial tear film evaporates, causing stress to the cells which line the corea.

- This leads to inflammation and discomfort.

- This, in turn, is exacerbated by office air conditioning, which which encourages tear evaporation.

What can I do to prevent this?

- Sadly, quitting the rat race, upping sticks and moving to the country isn't an option for many of us. But there are small, doable measure you can take to help your peepers.

- If you do like to read off a screen for pleasure, Dr Ezra says some e-readers are better for the eyes due to their lower screen illumination.

- Try to get in the habit of blinking more as you sit in front of your computer.

- Ensure you get up and away from your screen at regular intervals to give your eyes a break.

- Over-the-counter artificial eye drops can help ease the symptoms.

- Always seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist.

Source | Times of India | 18 April 2016

Regards

Pralhad Jadhav

Senior Manager @ Library

Khaitan & Co

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