How You Can Limit The Damage Done By Digital Screens!

We know it's hard to lay off digital screens these days, but we also know that it's damaging our eyes. Here's what you can do about it.

- Kalwyna Rathod

As per a study published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, the most common digital device used during the COVID-19 pandemic was the smartphone, with computers and laptops coming in next. While 60% of the subjects studied said they use smartphones, 50% of users complained of Digital Eye Strain (DES). This is no surprise since the lockdown left us with no option but to go digital.

Yes, we've heard it countless times, we've even said it ourselves - too much screen time is bad for the eyes. But how bad does it really get? Let's start with the most common problem, DES.

WHAT IS DIGITAL EYE STRAIN?

Also known as computer eye strain or computer vision syndrome, DES is a condition that causes specific vision and eye problems, such as eye strain and fatigue, blurry or double vision, dry, itchy, red or tearing eyes, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.

DES is caused by focusing on digital screens such as computers, smartphones, e-readers or tablets for a long time. Since the text on digital screens isn't as sharp as that in print, the eyes need to work harder to focus, and the glare from digital screens does not help either.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING DES

➤ Using a digital screen for two or more hours without a break