PharmEasy Blog

Simple Eye Care Tips For A Healthy Vision

More than three decades ago, the introduction of computer transformed workstations. Moreover, personal computers with Internet capabilities at home have led to a progressive increase in computer usage. This may affect our healthy vision.

Before the arrival of computers, office work involved a variety of activities including typing, filing, reading, and writing. Of note is the fact that each activity was sufficiently wide-ranging in the wants of posture and vision. These activities mandated a natural break from the previous activity. Nevertheless, the introduction of computers combined these tasks to where most can be achieved without moving from the workstation. While work has become easier and faster, it doesn’t fall in line with a healthy vision.

Also, reading text on paper is generally done while looking downwards; therefore, the eyelid covers a significant portion of the front surface of the eye, thus decreasing the evaporation of tears. Whereas, when we read on a computer screen, the gaze is horizontal which leads to increased evaporation of tears from the eye surface.

Strategies for promoting healthy vision include: Getting comprehensive dilated eye exams regularly. Making healthy choices like getting active, and eating healthy foods. Wearing sunglasses whenever you’re outside and lastly following the 20-20-20 rule while looking at screen.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Further, compared with equivalent hard copy reading, a higher percentage of incomplete blinks occur during computer screen reading, which may be the reason for increased visual fatigue. Other eye-related symptoms may include eye strain which includes pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache, and occasional double vision and dry eye, irritated eyes, watery eyes. Brightness or direct glare conditions also cause increased eye strain and development of neck pain, shoulder pain. The type of light discharged by a computer screen affects the alertness and thought performance levels and various 24-hour cycles in one’s body.

Some symptoms like blurred vision need a correction to optimize patient comfort during computer operations.

Some studies have shown that the use of font type Verdana for the presentation of individual alphabets on various electronic displays reduces mental workload.

Also Read: Misdiagnosed Eye Conditions: Is it Pink Eye or Something Else?

Some other ways in which you can reduce workplace-related eye problems and improve comfort are listed below:

Also Read: How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy?

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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Digital Books Vs Paper Books – What Do Your Eyes Prefer?

Today everything has gone digital and so have books! The conversation starter now is ‘Which is your favourite e-book?’ Undoubtedly, e-books have become more dominant than traditional paperbacks. And let’s face it, e-books are free, cheaper and convenient to read anytime, anywhere! But, have you ever wondered what would your eyes prefer?

Because when you read, your eyes do the hard work. So, you need to take into consideration your eye health before you pick either e-books or print books.

 Know what’s better for your eyes – a digital book or a print book? 

Yes, you guessed it right! It’s the print books! Why do you ask? Well because:

Aren’t your eyes irritated when you read e-books? E-readers and mobile phone reading apps are backlit. This means they emit a constant stream of light when you read. This light can irritate your eyes leading to red, swollen and watery eyes.

Print books obviously have no backlight. You can read them for as long as you want without any eye irritation problems due to light exposure.

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Can’t fall asleep? It could be because of your e-book. Reading books on your phone or e-reader exposes you to the blue light that electronic devices like smartphones emit, which disrupts the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) in the body. This sleep hormone makes us feel drowsy and helps us sleep when we go to bed at night. 

An inadequate amount of melatonin can cause disturbed sleep and may even trigger insomnia

This problem does not occur with print books.

Its a simple fact that Electronic books can cause screen fatigue, which may lead to blurred vision, redness, dryness and irritation. With print books, you don’t have to worry about any of that.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Do you forget to blink while reading e-books? Blinking is essential for your eye health. It coats your eyes with a layer of water. This layer of water cleans your eyes and removes dust or debris. 

Blinking also provides your eyes with nourishment and oxygen. 

A paperback, on the other hand, does not lead to blinking problems.

Read More: 8 ways to keep your eyes healthy!

Tips on how you can incorporate e-books in your daily lives:

Eyes are the gateway to wisdom, you must protect them! Whether you choose an e-book or a print copy, we hope that you take care of your eyes and enjoy the read!

Also Read: Importance of eyes.

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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Eye Care Tips To Implement This World Sight Day!

Your eyes are priceless! That is why on World Sight Day (10th October this year) doctors come together to spread awareness about the challenges your eyes face and how you can take better care of them. As we grow older, our eyesight diminishes and eye-related problems begin to crop up. While it is quite natural for our bodies and organs to deteriorate with age, you can slow down the process. With these practices, you can avert eye problems for a long time.

Familiarize yourself with the risk factors –

Some people are more prone to vision impairment and illnesses of the eyes than others. Here is a list of factors that put you at risk:

Once you are aware of these risk factors, you will know if there is a higher chance of damage to your eyes. Based on that you can take appropriate action.

 1. Keep your blood sugar under check –

Most people with high blood sugar or diabetes have been diagnosed with some form of eye disorder. Diabetes damages your eyes. If you have exceeded the normal blood sugar range, then you must bring it down at all costs.

 2. Stabilize your blood pressure to prevent old age eye problems –

High blood pressure exerts a force on the vessels that carry blood to your eyes and damages them which in turn affects your eyes health. That is why, if you have hypertension, your eyes will become vulnerable to damage.

 3. Track your blood pressure and blood sugar –

Whether you have diabetes and hypertension or not, it is very important to regularly monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar. Monitoring will show you whether the treatment is working and for those people who have not contracted either of these disorders, regular checks will tell them if they are inching closer to the danger mark.

Remember, as you grow older, both high blood pressure and blood sugar become more likely. Measure blood pressure every month and get a blood sugar test every 3 months.

Prolonged use of a digital screen can disturb the sleeping pattern. The eyes may become tired from the blue light that digital screens emit. The influence of blue light on the eyes can be reduced by the availability of blue light filter settings on many gadgets, especially those used at night.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

 4. Be cautious about any changes in your vision –

Illnesses of the eyes do not strike suddenly. They set in slowly and exhibit symptoms. You have to always watch out for the slightest changes such as:

As soon as you notice these signs, seek medical help because timely treatment will halt the deterioration of your eyes.

 5. Shield your eyes from UV rays –

UV rays can damage your eyes. That is why when you go out into the sun, wear sunglasses or opt for photochromic glasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.

 6. Eyecare at the workplace –

If you work in front of a computer, modify the screen brightness keeping with the ambient light of the office room. Wear lenses that negate the blue light that emanates from computer screens or stick an anti-blue light screen guard to your computer or laptop.

Don’t stare at the screen for long stretches of time. Every half an hour, close your eyes and let them rest for a few minutes. Blink often to layer your eyes with a coating of moisture.

Read More: How to Take Care of Your Eyes

 7. Avoid cigarette smoking –

Both active and passive smoking increases the risks of vision problems in old age such as cataracts, macular degeneration and uveitis. So kick the habit and if you are not a smoker then steer clear of passive smoking. 

Read More: 10 Ways to Quit Smoking

 8. Exercise is compulsory –

Several studies have proved that rigorous physical activity especially fast walking can ward off age-related eye illnesses. Read more about the health benefits of exercise

 9. Prevention of eye problems means eating right –

Vitamins, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids can improve your eye health and reduce risks of cataracts and macular degeneration. So make sure your diet consists of foods rich in these nutrients. Read more about the best foods for eye health

Eyes damage can be debilitating. But you can avert that fate by adopting these tips. 

Read More: Eye Care Tips for a Healthy Vision

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.