Diminished Vision in Younger Generations

Dr.Prashaant Chaudhry, 3 mins read

Eyes are like cameras that capture and collect visuals through a lens and then create the image on the retina. But with the increasing screen time, binge-watching, and sedentary lifestyle, many, especially children and younger adults, have started wearing eyeglasses.

A decade ago, most people had vision decline and other eye-related issues in old age, but nowadays many people experience eye strain at a younger age. Around 2.2 billion people globally have near or distant vision impairment.

You can now think about how broadly the changing lifestyle is affecting eye health. Not only eyes but overall health. It’s more than the technology; it is the habits we are developing surrounding the use of technology, such as:

• Reduced blinking while using the gadget
• Using the device in the dark without setting the device in dark mode
• Prolonged screen time
• Reduced outdoor activities 

The mix of these habits with small fonts and light emitted through phones or computers is conducive to many eye symptoms, also called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Moreover, it could also result in vision problems, blurred vision, and dry eyes.

How Does Technology Affect Eye Health?

We all love watching Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and scrolling through social media feeds, YouTube shorts, and Insta Reels for long hours. And playing “Call of Duty,” “Free Fire,” or “PUBG.” But have you ever realised that these piquant things are putting a huge weight on your eyes? If your answer is no, you should take this seriously as it is affecting your eyesight and overall health.

Games and web series are a way of entertainment, but if played or watched for less time. Spending too much time in front of these devices can adversely affect your health. Here are some of the adverse effects of technology:

• Increase in Eye Pressure (Glaucoma )

Studies have shown a time-dependent link between watching movies on a mobile phone and an increase in eye pressure ( glaucoma), especially in people with shallow anterior chambers  ( < 2.32mm ) Since glaucoma is a serious disease, one must be cautious when watching movies on the mobile phone.

• Computer Vision Syndrome

CVS, or Computer Vision Syndrome term was coined by some experts for a set of symptoms caused by staring at a screen for long hours. Usually, patients with CVS experience strain, headache, sensitivity to light, dry eyes, and watery eyes. Even research corroborates the same. Between 50% to 90% of people who regularly work at a computer screen have at least one of the earlier-mentioned symptoms. 

When you work on the computer, your eyes focus and refocus, move back and forth to read the text, and send various images to the brain to render them. All these tasks require a lot of effort from your eyes. Additionally, most people blink less frequently than normal, which makes your eyes dry out. To protect your eyes from drying out, watch this video:

• Retina Damage
  

Bringing your tablet or phone to bed is a common habit for many. Using these devices late into the night can affect your eyes. The blue light coming from these devices can lead to retinal tissue and functional damage, the exact extent of which is still not clear.

Eye Care Tips

For effective eye care, follow a 20-20 rule. This entails moving your eyes away from the computer after every 20 minutes and staring at something around 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, blink your eyes often, tweak your computer settings, use a high-resolution screen, reduce blue light, and wear blue-light-blocking glasses. Plus, make sure your room is well-lit.

Takeaway!

If you are experiencing vision problems or your vision is worsening continuously, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. He will examine your eyes and, based on that, he will advise you on a treatment. 

Beyond eyeglasses, the younger generation now has the option to treat vision loss. Implantable contact lenses and LASIK and SMILE procedures are some of the advanced treatments that have changed the lives of many people with vision problems.

Also, Read: Acute congestive glaucoma