The ongoing pandemic has led to increased severity and morbidity in eye conditions of people in Bengaluru because of delayed treatment and lifestyle changes due to the pandemic. The elderly people have been particularly impacted, with cases of mature cataracts going up as much as five times compared to the period before the pandemic. Incidence of severe dry eyes has also risen three times as people have been spending more time glued to digital screens.

According to Dr. Ram Mirlay, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru: “During the last one year of the pandemic, patients have been worried about contracting coronavirus if they visited a hospital. Most people with pre-existing eye problems did not go for regular follow-ups during the lockdown and even afterwards, leading to aggravation of their condition. Others with newly developed eye problems waited to consult the doctors, which led to serious consequences, including loss of vision.

He further added-” In the last three months of 2019, before the pandemic had hit fully, just 10 percent of all cataract patients coming to our hospital were suffering from mature cataract. In the last quarter of 2020, this figure jumped to 50%, a five-fold increase. We have also noticed worsening of existing cases of glaucoma in many patients as they hesitated to come for regular follow-ups. People with diabetes ignored their period eye check-ups, leading to severe complications in their retina. Pandemic has had a huge socio-economic impact too. Many cataract patients coming to us are opting to get operated in only one eye, as they are running low on finances due to reduced income.”

Dr. Archana S, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru says “Cases of severe dry eyes due to digital eye strain jumped from 10% before the pandemic to 30% now, as working from home led to loss of work-life balance and people got habituated to looking at digital screens for long hours. Those working on digital screens blink much less than normal, and even the blinks are not fully complete. This, coupled with glare and flickering of screens, has led to a big spike in incidence of digital eye strain and dry eyes. To give relief to the eyes, the rule is that for every 20 minutes of computer work, you should look away for 20 seconds to objects at least 20 feet away, or, better still, look out of the window.”

Says Dr. Ram Mirlay: “Diabetic patients above 50 years old need to get their eyes screened at least once a year by an ophthalmologist, as over 30% of them go on to develop some form of diabetic eye disease, including vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Such patients should be extra careful in the pandemic time and do not hesitate to visit a hospital for regular check-ups. Any delay can create more severe complications, including loss of vision. This is true for Glaucoma patients too. If their condition is unstable or they develop unusual symptoms such as eye pain or changes in vision, they should see the doctor immediately.”

It is important for people to not neglect their eye problems in pandemic times. To begin with, tele-consult is a good option and, in many cases, should be enough to get the right advice. Sometimes the doctor will advise to consult in person. That is the time when not doing anything can aggravate a minor eye problem to a more serious one. Rather than delaying treatment, choose an eye hospital where all safety precautions are being implemented.

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The COVID 19 pandemic has maximized the digital device usage among people of all age groups. Working professionals and students have switched to remote work and schooling to avoid stepping out of the house and minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus. But the remote working and online learning have increased the strain on the eyes due to increased screen time.

Many complain about eye related problems:

The work from home concept has made us increase our work hours due to time flexibility. Also, online classes have made children spend more time using devices like laptops and mobiles. After the school hours, kids are glued to the TV or computer again as they cannot step out for any outdoor activities. Due to this many complain about eye related problems.

Digital eye strain occurs as the eyes have to focus and refocus all the time. Eyes always react to images that are constantly moving by shifting focus and communicating rapidly varying images to the brain. This can strain eye muscles. Due to the focus required, one starts blinking less frequently leading to dryness in the eye and blurred vision. Digital eye strain may not cause permanent eye damage however it can create discomfort and pain while working.

Factors, such as screen or font size, glare, luminosity and contrast, viewing distance or angle, all can increase discomfort and exacerbate vision problems. Blurry vision, headaches, neck pain and eye dryness are the indications that your eyes need rest. And these signs and factors can be handled if proper tips are followed while exposed to screen time.

Few healthy practices that one can follow:

1. Position your screen correctly: Top line of the computer screen should be 15-20 degrees below eye level (or about 4-5 inches) and put the screen directly in front of you and at least 20 inches away.

2. Think about lighting: Tilt or position the computer screen in a way that it minimizes glare from overhead lighting or windows, and if there’s no way to cut glare, consider using an anti-glare screen to decrease reflected light.

3. Correct your posture: Adjust your chair height so that your feet are resting flat on the floor, back is straight and wrists aren’t strained while typing.

4. Remember to blink: To minimize dry or discomfort in eyes when using your computer, be sure to blink frequently to keep the ocular surface moist.

5. Take frequent breaks: It is advised to take at least 20 seconds break every 20 minutes while working on your computer. Every 20 minutes look at an object which is 20 feet away and stare at it for 20 seconds. Allow your eyes a chance to refocus. For every two hours of continuous computer use, consider resting your eyes for 15 minutes. Every 20 minutes look at an object which is 20 feet away and stare at it for 20 seconds.

Additionally, it is suggested to take font size and distance into consideration while using any device. Ensure the screen is large enough for the task at hand, opt for a tablet or desktop screen over a smartphone when reading small fonts, or consider a larger screen when viewing large amounts of content. Maintaining an appropriate eye to screen distance while working. Visit your eye specialist as soon as you develop any irritation, dryness, pain or discomfort in your eyes.

Dr. Mridula P
Consultant- Ophthalmology
Columbia Asia Hospital
Hebbal, Bengaluru

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The Corona virus has deeply impacted one and all. Not only that it has brought with it several changes in everyday life and with it vicious cycles that no one could envision. One of them is school’s being shut for a prolonged period of time. To overcome the shutdown of schools; several institutes have introduced online schooling.

However, this is having an impact on children’s eye health both long term and short term. What that means for parents is that it’s time to get serious about protecting your child’s vision. With the increase in the use of electronic gadgets or as some call it screen time, many children experience a pervasive threat of digital eye strain.

After a couple hours of continuous use of laptops or mobiles one experiences tired, dry eyes, blurry vision; sometimes headaches and neck ache. Digital eye strain also known as computer vision syndrome can affect everyone who uses not just computers but also TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, etc.

The problem with virtual classrooms are that students spend more time using computers during school from home than when they attend a brick-and-mortar school, so they’re more likely to experience digital eye strain. Increased screen time increases the risk of Myopia and Myopia progression can cause stress, anxiety, loss of social skills and other behavioural issues.

How parents and teachers can help?

1. The duration of online classes must be age-appropriate. For a younger child say 4 – 6 years, the duration of the class should be one hour with one break. Older kids can have classes for 4 – 6 hours with 5 to 6 breaks.

2. Children must be allowed to take a break every 45 minutes. Some forms of physical training such as yoga or dance should be incorporated into the child’s schedule.

3. Children who use spectacles should wear them regularly. They should not be allowed to sit directly in front of an AC / Fan. This will cause their eyes to dry eyes. Lubricating Eye drops can be used in case of prolonged screen usage.

4. Make sure children follow the 20 – 20 – 20 rule and blink their eyes frequently. Every 20 minutes take a break for 20 secs and look at something 20 feet away.

5. Encourage physical activities and movement in between classes. Preferably ask them to connect to bigger screens like a TV, Laptop, or Desktop.

Dr.Rohini
Senior cataract, Lasik & ICL Surgeon
Maxivision Group of Eye hospitals, Hyderabad

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