Teary eyed?

Shivkumar J

If you are dealing with symptoms such as red, watery and itchy eyes, frequent headaches and visual fatigue, you are not alone. With constant exposure to digital devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, etc. a large number of people are experiencing increase in symptoms of eye fatigue in the recent times.

The impact of exposure is compounded by the fact that multiple devices are often used simultaneously, putting excessive strain on the eyes. An individual might be working on his laptop while watching television and, at the same time, also checking his smartphone intermittently for social media updates.

While digital devices are here to stay, Essilor has taken note of the trend to come up with products to protect you from the impact of digital overload, consumers also need to follow some basic measures to counter rising visual fatigue. Here are some essential tips:

Take frequent breaks from your computer: With our work completely dependent on computers today, most of us spend hours staring at the screens at office as well as at home. While it may not be possible to reduce their usage, frequent breaks can be taken in between to give some rest to the eyes. Schedule meetings and brainstorming sessions in the middle of the day, and stay away from the screen while eating your lunch. Also important is to just stand up from your desk every hour and look away from the computer for a few minutes.

Minimise glare: Excessive glare on your monitor adds to the strain on eyes. Try to reduce reflections in your surroundings by using window blinds, avoiding bright light sources in your room and installing glare filters on your monitor screen. The minimum the glare on the screen, the lesser will be the strain on the eyes.

Reduce social media addiction: While a bulk of our digital exposure comes from essential work, a major part of it also due to our constant addiction to social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. No wonder we find people glued to their smart phones on public transport even after working all day. Restrict your addiction, and you can reduce almost an hour of unnecessary exposure every day.

Use protective eyewear: Use spectacle lenses customised to the need of the times, which can offer prevention and protection for your eyes against digital overload, harmful blue light, strain and fatigue. Today, companies design innovative lenses to meet the changing needs of people and helps protect from harmful blue light and UV rays.

Never carry your smartphone to bed: This is one habit that not just increases digital strain on the eye, but also wrecks our sleep. Make sure you keep your phone away at least half an hour before going to bed; get rid of the habit of lurking on to social media channels before falling asleep.

The writer is CEO, Essilor India