Latest news with #ComputerVisionSyndrome
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Find Out How Digital Fatigue Triggers Dry Eye
Prolonged screen time especially with computers, tablets, and smartphones decreases blink rates, causing the tear film to break down and the eyes to dry out Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), can lead to dry eye symptoms due to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation while using digital devices. Prolonged screen time especially with computers, tablets, and smartphones decreases blink rates, causing the tear film to break down and the eyes to dry out. Digital eye strain has emerged as a growing healthcare concern in recent times. By Dr. Chaitra D., Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital, Tumakuru shares all you need to know: Online education and work-from-home setups have become the new norms since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This sedentary lifestyle, combined with excessive visual activity, impacts both ocular and general health hygiene. It's a common issue in today's digital world, where extended screen time is often unavoidable. Symptoms Symptoms of digital eye strain include eye discomfort, fatigue, dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. Factors Triggering Dry Eye Reduced Blinking: When focusing on a screen, people tend to blink less frequently. Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly across the eyes and keeping them moist. Tear Evaporation: Reduced blinking increases tear evaporation, leading to dryness and irritation. Dry eye and other CVS symptoms can significantly impact work performance and daily activities by affecting focus and productivity. In severe cases, dry eye can be painful and may lower the overall quality of life. Increased screen time and related eye issues have become a significant public health concern, leading to higher healthcare costs and potential productivity losses. Dry eye not only affects well-being but also contributes to a substantial economic burden. Strategies to Prevent Dry Eye Behavioral Modifications: Practice blinking exercises and take regular breaks using the '20-20-20" rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Artificial Tears: Use lubricating eye drops to help keep your eyes moist. Blue Light Filters: Consider blue light-filtering glasses or adjust your screen settings to reduce blue light exposure. Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting and minimize glare from screens and surrounding light sources. Regular Eye Exams: Visit an ophthalmologist regularly to detect and treat any vision problems or underlying conditions contributing to dry eye. Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor recreational activities to reduce screen dependency and support overall eye health.
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Proper posture, micro-break: Preventing eye strain in the world of screens
With digital screens becoming a part of nearly every moment of daily life, especially for children, doctors and researchers throwing caution about a quiet but growing threat to our vision: digital eye strain and its potential to cause long-term Kamal B. Kapur, co-founder and medical director at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals in Delhi, says the problem isn't just how many hours children or adults are spending in front of screens, but how long the eyes are made to focus without adequate no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to screen time but any exposure beyond two hours at a stretch without a break tends to take a toll on eyes, especially for children," says Dr. Kapur. Children, he explains, often don't communicate their discomfort clearly. Instead, they rub their eyes frequently, blink excessively, or hold screens too time, these subtle cues evolve into more serious symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, and a burning sensation in the condition, known medically as Computer Vision Syndrome or digital eye strain, is increasingly common. According to a 2022 review published in Ophthalmology and Therapy, digital eye strain affects between 25% to 93% of screen users, with children reporting similar symptoms to adults, including itching, eye fatigue, and difficulty focusing. Over time, these subtle cues evolve into more serious symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, and a burning sensation in the eyes. () advertisementA related study in BMC Ophthalmology conducted among schoolchildren found that nearly one-third experienced regular visual discomfort during prolonged online learning sessions. These symptoms are the result of constant near-focus effort, reduced blinking, poor posture, and insufficient lighting, all factors that intensify with longer screen area of concern is the rise in childhood myopia, or near-sightedness.A meta-analysis in JAMA Network Open published this year found that every additional hour of screen time per day increased the risk of myopia by approximately 21%.Dr. Kapur notes that the developing eye needs variety and distance to grow properly. 'Constant close-up focus, like what happens with screens, doesn't allow the eye muscles to relax or shift, which over time can lead to refractive errors,' he many turn to blue light filters and night modes as a solution, Dr. Kapur points out that the science behind these solutions is still evolving.'This is one of the most common questions I get from parents: 'Do blue light filters really work?' The truth is, while they may help reduce some glare and eye strain, they are not a substitute for healthy visual habits.'Research supports his view. A 2011 study suggested that while blue light can impact melatonin production and disrupt sleep, especially in children, the content viewed and emotional stimulation from screens often play a larger role in delaying sleep Kapur stresses the importance of practical, daily habits over gimmicks. He recommends that everyone, especially children, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen use should be followed by 20 seconds of looking at something at least 20 feet away. Dr. Kapur notes that the developing eye needs variety and distance to grow properly. () He also advises ensuring that screens are at eye level, rooms are properly lit, and that individuals maintain good posture. Outdoor activity, he highlights, is just as important for eye development.'Natural light has a protective effect. Children who spend at least one to two hours a day outside tend to show fewer vision complaints over time," he Kapur's message is clear: don't wait for symptoms to appear before taking action. Annual eye check-ups, even in the absence of complaints, are essential for early detection and proactive is always better than dealing with correction later. A few small changes in daily routine can protect a child's vision for life," he an age where screens are unavoidable, cultivating mindful screen habits can make the difference between lifelong healthy vision and preventable problems.- Ends
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Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Yoga for eye health: Natural ways to ease screen strain and boost focus
If your eyes feel dry, itchy, or strained after hours of screen time, you're not alone. In today's digital world, most of us spend extended hours on laptops and smartphones—leading to a very real and growing issue: digital eye strain (DES). But what if relief could be just a few yoga moves away? This International Day of Yoga, let's explore how yoga—traditionally known for enhancing flexibility and calming the mind—can also help relax and rejuvenate your eyes. What is digital eye strain? Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, digital eye strain includes symptoms such as: Blurry vision Headaches Dry or watery eyes Eye fatigue Difficulty focusing 'Digital eye strain happens when the eyes get tired from looking at screens for a long time. Tablets, phones, computers, and even TV screens emit blue light, which can be harsh on the eyes. Prolonged exposure forces the eyes to work harder, leading to strain,' explains Dr Abhishek Varshney, Senior Consultant – Ophthalmology, Max Healthcare. Rub your palms together to generate warmth Gently cup your palms over your closed eyes Breathe deeply and relax for 1–2 minutes 2. Eye rolling – Stretch those eye muscles Improves flexibility and circulation. Sit straight, keeping your head still Look up and slowly roll your eyes clockwise Repeat 5 times, then reverse the direction 3. Focus shifting – Train focus and flexibility Reduces eye muscle stiffness and strengthens focus. Hold your thumb in front of your nose Focus on your thumb, then shift your gaze to something far away Repeat 10–15 times Bonus tips to support eye health In addition to yoga, try these daily habits to keep your eyes happy and healthy: Stay hydrated – Dry eyes are often a sign of dehydration Eat eye-friendly foods – Include carrots, spinach, and omega-3-rich foods Get natural light – Step away from the screen and walk in sunlight when you can Follow the 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds Dr Yogrishi Vishvketu of Akhanda Yoga Institute shares, 'True healing begins when we become conscious of how we hold our body, breath, and attention. Just 15 minutes daily of yoga-based eye care—Palming, Bhramari, or a simple inversion—can reset your visual system and bring your energy back into alignment.' "To support eye health from within, homeopathic remedies like Ruta Graveolens 30, for eyestrain from screens and Euphrasia, for irritation and watering can be considered under guidance."- informs Dr Mukesh Batra, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra's Healthcare. International Day of Yoga: A global reminder for inner and outer health Celebrated every year on June 21, the International Day of Yoga was first proposed by India and officially adopted by the United Nations in 2014. It aims to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga—not just for physical wellness, but for mental clarity and emotional balance as well. This year, Yoga Day falls on a Saturday, making it the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and try a new wellness routine. The theme for 2025 is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', highlighting how individual wellbeing through yoga can ripple outward into families, communities, and society at large. The takeaway Incorporating just a few yoga-inspired practices into your day can help reduce digital eye strain, improve focus, and lift your mood. Think of it as a mini spa session for your eyes—anytime, anywhere. Instead of reaching for eye drops, try a little yoga. Your screen-weary eyes will thank you.
India.com
21-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
Baba Vanga's Prophetic Warning: How She Predicted Smartphone Addiction Years Ago Cautioning Generations - Check What She Said
photoDetails english 2904267 Technology has undeniably transformed human life, reshaping the way we communicate, work, and connect with others. However, it has also brought along serious challenges—especially concerning our mental and physical well-being. Decades ago, Baba Vanga, the famous Bulgarian mystic known for her eerily accurate predictions, had foreseen the psychological dangers posed by a small yet powerful device: the smartphone. Updated:May 21, 2025, 05:06 PM IST Baba Vanga and her future predictions 1 / 7 Baba Vanga, renowned for her strikingly accurate predictions, is believed to have foreseen a future where humans would grow excessively reliant on small electronic gadgets. These devices—now clearly recognisable as smartphones—were, according to her, destined to transform human behaviour and impact mental health. Though originally designed to make life easier, she warned that this technology could pose serious risks to well-being. Her predictions highlighted concerns like weakened human connections, shorter attention spans, and a surge in mental health issues. Mental health issues due to phone 2 / 7 Excessive screen time is taking a toll on both children and adults. It disrupts sleep, affects mental health, and leads to physical issues like eye strain and neck pain. Constant device use is also weakening real-life social connections. Experts now stress the importance of digital detoxes, building stronger offline relationships, and practising mindfulness. Cutting down on notifications and screen time may be crucial steps in tackling the rising problem of mobile addiction. Use of smartphone before bedtime 3 / 7 A report by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) reveals that nearly 24% of children in India use smartphones before bedtime, a habit that disrupts sleep, affects focus, and may hinder learning. Mental health affecting adults 4 / 7 Excessive screen time has been linked to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and attention disorders among children. The issue extends to adults as well, with smartphone addiction causing problems like eye strain, neck pain, and disturbed sleep due to constant scrolling, social media use, and late-night browsing. Poor posture 5 / 7 Extended screen time can result in Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), causing dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye strain. Poor posture from frequently looking down at phones often leads to neck and back pain, known as "text neck." Studies also show a strong link between heavy smartphone use and increased anxiety and depression, especially in young adults. Ironically, devices meant to connect us can, when overused, contribute to loneliness and social isolation. Weakening Relationships 6 / 7 Families that spend too much time on digital devices often find it difficult to maintain deep emotional bonds. Overuse of screens can also shorten attention spans and lower productivity at work, resulting in more mistakes and a decline in performance quality. Do Not Disturb feature 7 / 7 To maintain a healthy balance with technology, it's important to take regular breaks from screens and use apps that help monitor and limit usage. Spend quality, device-free time with family and friends, and engage in outdoor activities or screen-free hobbies. Practising mindfulness can help curb the constant urge to check your phone. Activating features like 'Do Not Disturb' also helps reduce distractions and improve focus.
Los Angeles Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Smart Screens Are Supporting Eye Health, Preventing Burnout, and Boosting Creativity
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links. You're doomscrolling again. Somewhere between your fifth news alert and your 40th Instagram Story, your eyes start to sting. You're not sure if you're tired, anxious, overstimulated, or all of the above. And you're definitely not alone. Welcome to the age of screen fatigue. According to the latest Reuters Institute Digital News Report, 39% of Americans are actively avoiding the news, a three-point jump from just a year ago. Not because they're tuning out, but because they're maxed out. It's not apathy. It's emotional survival. This is what happens when our screens outpace our capacity to engage with them. As Healthy Vision Month arrives this May, it's a good time to ask: What if the solution to screen fatigue isn't disconnecting, but redesigning the experience entirely? If you've ever rubbed your eyes during a video call or felt fried after back-to-back scrolls, you're not imagining things. Eye strain is real, and so is the toll it's taking on our focus, energy, and emotional bandwidth. The American Optometric Association says more than 50% of people who spend over three hours a day on screens experience Computer Vision Syndrome: a cluster of symptoms that includes blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, and fatigue. 'There's a well-documented link between extended screen time and visual fatigue, which has become a near-universal issue for people working and living in front of digital devices,' says George Toh, Vice President and General Manager of Lenovo's Visuals Business. He's not anti-screen, just pro-awareness. 'With so much of our daily life spent in front of screens, being intentional about how we use them (and for how long) is key to avoiding their impact,' he explains. Toh recommends starting small: implement the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and take stock of your setup. 'Adjust your viewing distance, optimize angles and posture, reduce glare. These changes sound simple, but they add up fast,' he says. He's also quick to point out that many devices now offer built-in wellness features. 'We're seeing more screens with posture nudges, break reminders, and adaptive settings, but building your own habits is still the most important first step.' Not long ago, screen innovation meant higher resolution, faster refresh rates, and deeper contrast. All great for visual performance, but what about the user? 'Today's users expect displays to be intuitive and support comfort, wellness, and long-term usability,' says Toh. That shift has pushed display makers like Lenovo to rethink the fundamentals, starting with the eyes. 'Displays are now being built with anti-glare coatings and low blue light technology,' he notes. 'A lot of premium monitors are certified to meet international standards like Eyesafe and TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort, which ensure low strain without compromising visual quality.' It's not just about what's on the screen, it's how the screen fits into your physical space. 'We've moved from an era when the user adjusts to the monitor to one where the monitor adjusts to the user,' says Toh. Height, tilt, and swivel adjustments are now the norm on professional-grade displays. Toh believes that the future of screen innovation is all about digital resilience, the ability to use technology in a way that supports physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being over time. 'At its core, digital resilience is about helping people engage with their digital environment in a safe, healthy, and sustainable way,' he explains. This means adaptive screens that respond to your lighting, your activity, and even your posture. 'We already have displays that use ambient sensors to adjust brightness, and presence detectors that power down when you walk away,' says Toh. But the next wave is even more personalized. 'Soon, we'll see displays that shift color temperature throughout the day, cooler in the morning, warmer in the evening, to align with our circadian rhythms,' he says. 'And AI will allow screens to learn your habits: optimizing contrast, lowering refresh rates for reading, bumping them up for gaming.' In other words, your screen will know when you need to wind down before you do. If you're worried that an 'eye-friendly' screen means sacrificing vibrancy or sharpness, Toh is happy to prove otherwise. 'The beauty of recent innovations in display technology is that we no longer see a trade-off between high engagement and good health; we can have both,' he says. Toh explains that when visual comfort is dialed in (accurate color, minimal flicker, reduced blue light), it actually enhances productivity and focus. 'High-quality visuals naturally pull users into the task at hand,' he says. 'And when you're not straining or distracted by discomfort, you stay in the creative zone longer.' Comfort, in this case, isn't just physical. It's mental. 'When a user is physically at ease, they're more likely to stay engaged and spark creativity,' says Toh. 'That's where performance and well-being intersect.' We're heading into a future where your monitor isn't just a tool, it's part of your wellness ecosystem. 'We now have displays that are flexible, curved, and adjustable for different workflows,' says Toh. 'But what's really exciting is how AI and sensors will allow these screens to sync with your environment—and with you.' Imagine a setup where your screen, chair, desk, and even wearable devices work together to improve your posture, recommend breaks, or reduce eye strain automatically. 'In a decade, these features could be standard,' Toh predicts. 'Monitors will learn from your behavior and respond to your needs without you lifting a finger.' The goal isn't more tech, it's smarter, kinder tech. We're not getting fewer screens any time soon. But we can make them work better for our eyes, our mood, and our creativity. 'A display designed with well-being in mind helps users stay focused on what matters most—whether you're a creative professional or a casual user,' Toh says. And in a world where our devices are with us from the moment we wake to the moment we sleep, that kind of design isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. In a world where screens are non-negotiable, the real game-changer isn't logging off, it's leveling up. So instead of fearing burnout or dodging notifications, take a beat. Reset your relationship with your screens. Because clarity, on your screen and in your mind, starts with seeing things differently. Click here to learn more about Lenovo
