Excessive Use Of Smartphones Can Cause Dry Eye Syndrome, Know About It

As members of a technologically-driven generation, we are always preoccupied with our smartphones – while eating, studying, working, sleeping, and also crossing the street. We find it extremely difficult to keep our phones aside, thus, causing more damage to our eyes than we suspect.

Studies have revealed that children who spend more time on phones are likely to develop symptoms of the dry-eye syndrome. This is a condition that occurs when eyes do not produce enough tears to keep itself moist, resulting in the eyes becoming red, swollen and irritated, thus, affecting vision.

While staring at screens, we blink less which causes our tear films to evaporate faster, thus, increasing the risk of dry-eye disease.

Source: cloudfront

Blinking is an important reflex which results in the secretion of tears. A low blink rate increases the risk of dry eye and associated problems.

Earlier, dry-eye was an age-related problem and a side-effect of menopause. Older people suffer from the disease due to an overall weakening of bodily functions. However, with an increase in the use of smartphones, it is largely affecting youngsters too.

Excessive use of laptops, smartphones, televisions and tablets causes digital eye strain – the physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen.

Source: slidesharecdn

We need to change our lifestyle

The world is heading toward a corporate dystopia, confining us to the four walls of our office. Youngsters too no longer feel the need to step outside as everything is digitally available. They can sit in their rooms for hours and play cricket and football on their desktops.

With little exposure to natural light, our bodies lack vitamin D. Increased digital use also triggers depression and anxiety.

We need to change the way we live, as our lifestyle has a direct impact on our health.

Source: killerfeatures

Precautionary measures

To decrease the risk of dry eye syndrome, there are certain things that we can do sitting at home.

• Take breaks of 10 minutes after every 45 minutes of work.
• Maintain a good diet – seasonal and citrus fruits help battle dry eyes.
• Increase the font of letters while reading somethings on your smartphone or desktop.
• Do not hold a device too close to your eyes.
• Ensure that your laptop, desktop, smartphones have a large screen with anti-reflective coating and screen filter.
• Try and step out more – the natural setting is good for our health.

The Logical Indian urges its readers to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of dry-eye syndrome.