In the contemporary tech-driven world, it seems a challenge to imagine a day without the use of screens. Our lives have become so intertwined with digital devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions – that we cannot spend even a day without them. These inventions have definitely enhanced our lives, but they also have a negative side. They cause digital eye strain, which further leads to dry eyes.
In this blog, we are going to delve into the adverse impact that the digital age has on our eyes. Additionally, we’ll explore the different dry eye treatments in Chandigarh to protect your eyes. As we cannot revert to the good old times and stop being a part of today’s digital landscape, it becomes essential for us to arm ourselves with information and strategies to alleviate the potential risks to our eyes.
Understanding Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, afflicts us when we spend extensive hours in front of screens. Many of us are familiar with the symptoms like dryness, irritation, redness, and blurry vision. Let’s see what exactly causes this discomfort.
1. Extended Screen Time
Modern lifestyle involves hours of constant screen engagement, a necessary evil that affects our blink rate. As we get immersed in digital activities, the natural tendency of our eyes to blink diminishes significantly. This affects our tear production, causing the unsettling discomfort of dry eyes. We land in a paradoxical situation where our persistent dependence on screens, whether it is for work or recreation, paves the way to drying out of our windows to the world – our eyes.
2. Exposure to Blue Light
Digital screens do facilitate our daily routines, but emit blue light – high-energy visible (HEV) light. Research has linked extended exposure to this blue light of screens with eye strain. It also disturbs our sleep cycles. This prolonged exposure to digital screens can aggravate your dry eye symptoms, making you experience more discomfort, which may be accompanied by pain and irritation.
3. Compromised Blink Rate
Another significant aspect that contributes to the dry eye problem is our altered rate of blinking while using a screen. We tend to blink much less frequently when we are absorbed in digital content. It is something that happens due to our intense focus. Unfortunately, this diminished blink rate poses hindrance in the even distribution of tears across the eye’s surface. As a result, our eyes do not get the necessary moisture they require to feel comfortable and remain healthy. It leaves us struggling with the undesirable effects of dry eye syndrome.
Dry Eye Treatment in Chandigarh, Mohali
The good news is that if you live in Chandigarh, Mohali, or anywhere in North India, you have many effective treatments available to manage the dry eye problem caused by the digital age. Here are a variety of treatment options that you can avail yourself of:
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Artificial Tears
You can purchase artificial tear drops that are available over-the-counter to get fast relief from dry eyes. These lubricating eye drops help reduce discomfort. Ideally, you should buy preservative-free options, especially if you intend to use them for a long time.
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Prescription Eye Drops
If your dry eye problem is severe, an eye specialist in Chandigarh, Mohali can prescribe medicated eye drops to enhance tear production, and reduce pain and discomfort.
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Lifestyle Changes
Simple modifications to your routine can make a huge difference. Make conscious efforts to blink more frequently while using any screen. Additionally, take regular breaks to give rest to your eyes. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule can prove very helpful: every 20 minutes, take a mini-break of 20-seconds – to look at something 20 feet away.
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Dietary Supplements
Consuming Omega-3 fatty acids, found in flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soybean oil, and fish oil supplements, etc., can help enhance the quality of your tears, thereby reducing dry eye symptoms. You can discuss artificial supplements with your eye doctor.
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Warm Compresses
Blocking of Meibomian glands in your eyes is also a reason why many of us experience dry eyes. To solve this problem, apply a warm compress to your closed eyes. It will help unclog Meibomian glands and boost tear production. You can comfortably try this simple technique at home. Hence, it is often advised by eye specialists in Chandigarh, Mohali.
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Blinking Exercises
Your eye specialist may guide you regarding specific eye exercises to help improve your eye blinking rate, and hence, tear distribution.
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Avoiding Digital Eye Strain
It is essential for you to get dry eye treatment if you are experiencing severe symptoms. However, it is equally vital to take preventative measures to protect your eyes and vision:
- Use Blue Light Filters: Many devices come with blue light filter options. Enable these filters to minimize the amount of blue light entering your eyes.
- Adjust Screen Settings: Increase font size and maintain optimum brightness to reduce eye strain.
- Keep Right Screen Distance: Place your screen at eye level and at a distance of about 20 inches away from your eyes.
- Try Computer Glasses: Special computer glasses are available in the market. These glasses reduce glare and reduce eye strain.
- Regular Eye Checkups: Schedule regular eye examinations with an eye specialist in Chandigarh. It will help diagnose any eye issues early on so that you can get timely treatment and maintain clear vision for life.
The Bottom Line
In the digital age, our dependence on screens is here to stay. However, this does not imply that we must suffer from dry eye condition and digital eye strain. By adopting the above-mentioned preventive measures and getting advanced dry eye treatment when needed, we can safeguard our vision and continue to enjoy technology without sacrificing our eye health.
Don’t forget, your eyes are precious – take care of them!
