Gadgets are the new age mantra. Indians have become gizmo freaks. Hi- tech gadgets are blooming by the dozens as companies compete against each other to catch the eyes of time pinched customers or gadget freaks. There are a lot of individuals who use their gadgets to make work live easier while there are many people who use them for fun. Though the gadget and devices may make life easier, but they can be harmful to our bodies.
The modern day electronic gadget like laptops, mobile phones, hand held computer games, TV etc directly affect the vision. Reading a books or a newspaper is better than reading from the electronic devices because print materials are typically high in contrast while the electronic screen content deals with lower contrast and hence requires more optical focus and more strain to the eye.
Dr Kalpesh Shah, well known Ophthalmologist from Kohinoor hospital says, “Electronic gadgets have ultra violet rays which are harmful to the eyes. Working continuously on electronic gadgets can lead to a variety of vision ailments like eye strain, redness, blurred vision, dry and irritated eyes etc.” Vision problems are generally caused due to improper viewing habits, improper workstation set up, dirty screens, improper viewing angles etc.
Video games
Children play hand held video games for long duration of time without giving their eyes a break. Straining the eyes continuously on the small screen of the video games for a longer duration of time can result in trouble with focusing on objects at different distances and eye irritation.
Dr Kalpesh Shah suggests “It is important to monitor the duration for playing games. Video games should be played only for a shorter duration of time to prevent eye problems in the future.”
Television
Television is an entertainment electronic device that is seen in most houses. Electronic market is flooded with a galore of televisions options like 3D, LCD, Plasma Display Panels (PDP) etc. Watching Television is a favorite pastime with many individuals but they do not know that it comes with several health risks. Dr Kalpesh Shah says, “Watching TV for a longer duration can cause dry eyes or tired eyes.”
Laptops and Computers
Working on the computer and laptops has changed the nature of the work over the past 3 decades. Most individuals spend time staring at the computer screen large and small. Even kids spend more time playing games on the computer screen than playing outdoor games like cricket or football.
Dr Kalpesh Shah says “Most individuals do not blink their eyes while working on the computer, working for long hours continuously evaporates the tear drops ,hence, focusing the eyes on the computer screen for longer duration of time can cause dryness in the eyes.”
Mobile phone
The modern generation youth are using cell phones for text messaging, watching movies, browsing the internet or playing games more than making and receiving calls. Studies suggest that staring at the small hand held screens for a longer duration of time may be a contributing factor to visual fatigue.
Dr Kalpesh Shah says “Most people use their phones four inches closer than normal reading distance and hence it causes problems with the eye sight.” Dr Shah adds, “Increasing the font size on the smart phone and holding the device further away (at least 10- 12 inches) will help your eyes to focus better and reduce strain
Team Medimanage advices tips on preventing vision problem caused due to the extensive use of electronic gadget.
- Perform eye exercises at regular intervals
- Follow the 20- 20 rule i.e. take a break every 20 minutes and focus on the area about 20 feet away for atleast 20 seconds to give your eyes a rest.
- Blink your eyes for atleast 10 times after every 20 minutes of working on a gadget.
- Dr Kalpesh Shah adds “It is important to use the electronic gadgets for a shorter span of time. Washing the eyes frequently with cold water also helps to reduce eye strain." He adds,"Lubricating eye drops are suggested to patients with severe eye strains”
The modern electronic gadget can be a boon if used in the right manner. It is imperative for every individual using the hi-tech gadgets make sure that the eyes are rested and properly cared for to decrease the risk of vision problems. However, if you experience any vision problems or discomfort, talk to your eye care professional.
