Increased computer usage leads to computer vision syndrome/DES. Last two decades have seen overuse of digital technology. Commonlyreported ocular complaints among computer users working for >6 hours /dayburning sensation in 66.70 patients, eye strain in 53.8% and itching in 47.60%patients. Common practices that lead to ocular complaints are screen level at or above eye level. Theuse of computer has become now an essential part of everyones life. Todays jobsrequire to stare at computer hours together. Jobs like IT, BPO, Accounting,banking, front office, students and other professionals are dependant oncomputers.
Computer vision syndrome can affect any age group butchildren report less symptoms because probably they have more power ofaccommodation, which decreases with age. Working adults aren’t the only onesaffected. Kids who stare at tablets or use computers during the day at schoolcan have issues, too, especially if the lighting and their posture are lessthan ideal. Children are also well adapted to near work, nevertheless theycontinue to overstrain their visual systems. Those persons who already havesome sort of ocular problems are at more risk of computer vision syndrome.
It isn’t one specific problem. Instead, it includes a wholerange of eye strain and pain. Research shows that between 50% and 90% of peoplewho work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms.
Like most electrical appliances, computers emit bothionizing and non-ionizing radiation. These include visible light, ultraviolet,infrared, x-ray and radio frequency emissions. However, computer emissions areoften so low as to be unmeasurable or are found to be significantly belowrecommended safety levels. Numerous studies have been conducted to determinewhat effect, if any, radiation levels emitted from computers may have onworkers’ health. Repeated studies to date have failed to find any direct linkbetween computer use and radiation related general or eye health problems.(There Cincinnati: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1977)There is no evidence that radiation from computers contributes to thedevelopment of cataracts. While not technically a form of radiation, mostcomputers will build up an electrostatic charge in the vicinity of the screensurface. Static charges can cause the attraction and accumulation of dust andother airborne particles on the face of the computer screen. Although there isno conclusive evidence, it has been suggested that these charges may be relatedto the development of skin rash or eye irritation in some very sensitivepeople. This problem can usually be managed by cleaning the computer screen.Various negative side effects of CVS can be:
•            Poorvisual functions
•            Increasedstress levels
•            Reducedeffective work hours
•            Frequentabsence from work
•            Possibleincrease in errors
•            Less timeavailable for personal care and reversal
Some tips to overcome the problem are:
•            Minimizeglare
•            Useproper lighting
•            Blinkmore frequently
•            Adjustyour computer display settings like using blue light
•            Exerciseyour eyes like focusing on distant object
•            Takefrequent breaks.
To ease symptoms of fatigue, everyone using screens shouldbe advised to follow the 20:20:20 rule, whereby every 20 minutes, individualsshould take a 20-second break and focus on an object 20 feet away.
Frequent use of artificial tear drops as excessive use ofcomputer is associated with some amount of dry eye.
A review evaluation is necessary for anyone who works oncomputer if not 6 monthly but yearly should be done.
The idea of this article is to generate awareness among themasses regarding excessive use of laptops, tablets and mobiles as everything inexcess is detrimental to health.
Dr Rayees Ahmad is anOphthalmologist at District Hospital Ganderbal