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

The post Prevent eye strain while working and studying from home appeared first on Health Vision.

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the academic year of the students, from entrance examinations to enrolling in colleges. Everything is in online mode. Indian Students who were planning to study abroad after their schooling was confused when the pandemic hit the world. In almost every country the coronavirus has impacted higher education plans. Before that our lives were much normal and simpler, the international universities were welcoming foreign students but now some countries have put a temporary ban on the students and working visas but it’s been seen in a report that now more than two thousand students are willing to study abroad.

Education turning into digitalization

There will be many changes that can be seen while enrolling in the admission process. Many countries are offering new courses and admissions in their universities like the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. The most appealing factor for a student is the destination and infrastructure of the universities but now it is turning into digitalization. Traditionally the universities were conducting classes physically but in the ongoing global crisis, the foreign universities are giving a push to online learning. Teachers are interacting globally with students through online classes for bridging the gap in the current scenario.

Many countries like the UK and the US have started welcoming foreign students by launching international student’s immigration routes. Whenever physical learning will be started, all the universities are compulsory to follow social distancing norms. The medical students are also opting for studying abroad as now there will be a better job and research opportunities. The traveling and visa process might also get complex in the matter of international students to minimize the risk. Along with this, there will be no traditional courses but there will be more new courses related to research and health.

Things won’t be the same

The pandemic has hit the global education sector and put them on halt for a while and it will take a fair time to be in a normal situation. Studying abroad is the most transformational and life-changing experience for anyone but now in post-covid-19 the things are getting changed for good and now universities are again starting their admissions. Things won’t be the same that they use to be earlier, there will be some changes now.

First of all, everything will be online from visa applications to admission applications. Also if we will see this economically, many universities in the UK, US, and Australia are offering admissions and new courses in their universities. Also, there will be new forms of learning like AI (Artificial Intelligence). The education sector will now be more technology-driven blended with the audiovisual classes. The cost of living will be a bit higher now as compared to earlier times. The regular social distancing and sanitization normas will be followed everywhere.

Gopalan Anish Acharya
Founder – Medveda Pvt Ltd

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