Technology Change VS. EYE

 

Technology is an amazing thing. It makes our lives easier, more efficient and most of the time, more enjoyable. However, there is always a price for anything that is overdone. As wonderful as technology can be, there is something we often forget: the negative effects that technology can have on the eyes.

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People who use technology on a regular basis could be at risk for one of these side effects.

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1. Eye-related Issues: Headaches

This is because staring at a screen for too long causes eye strain. The eyes are working hard to read small, dark text against a white screen. As the eyes strain to see this information, the muscles in the template’s spasm.

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2. Computer Vision Syndrome

This describes to a set of symptoms associated with staring at a screen all day. CVS symptoms include headaches, eye strain, watery eyes, dry eye and sensitivity to light. Initially CVS was limited to people who worked on a computer; however, it now extends to the general population due to other gadgets.

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3. Retina Damage

Staying on digital devices late into the night can lead to retinal damage. The blue light coming from LED devices can damage the retina and lead to macular degeneration, a condition that affects your central vision. This risk grows as we age.

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4. Possible Cataracts

Because the eyes are not effective at filtering out blue light, it’s possible that blue light can cause cataracts, snow blindness and even cancer. However, more research is needed to find about the effects of blue light on cataracts

 

5. Dry Eye

When looking at something close to the face, the eyes blink less often. Tears evaporate quickly, drying out the surface of the eye. If this progresses, the eyes might be sensitive to light and red and inflamed. Dry eye is treatable, but it is more uncomfortable than people realize. Taking breaks and using eye drops can help.

 

So, it is important to take a step away from electronics every once in a while. Doing simple things such as adjusting the brightness of the devices and the distances at which it is being viewed can decrease the risk on the eye.

 

Use technology wisely, and the eyes will thank you.

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Preventing Eye from Technology

• Use The 20/20/20 Rule

If we look at the screen for 20 minutes, we must look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. By this, eyes are given a needed break during long work days.

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• Ensure Your Room Is Well Lit

Low light in the room is actually better for the eyes when working on a computer.

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• Have Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams keep the eye health in check and ensure that problems aren’t worse than normal eye strain.

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• Reduce Glare

Use an anti-glare matte screen where possible. If you’re a glasses wearer, make sure your lenses have an anti-reflective coating.

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• Use High-Resolution Screens

Screens with Higher refresh rates & resolution are always better.

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• Reduce Blue Light

Reduce blue light by using specialist glasses or reduce the colour temperature in the screen.

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• Adjust Screen Settings

Lower the brightness or turn on automatic brightness settings to adjust depending on the environment. Increase text size to make reading text messages easier.

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• Keep A Sensible Distance

You should be able to see everything on the screen from between 16 and 18 inches away. Consider zooming in on the screen.

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• Use Night Mode

Night mode makes it easy to automatically reduce strain on the eyes at night.

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• Don’t Forget to Blink!

While blinking, the eyes are kept moist and refocusing happens in the eyes. This can reduce eye strain.

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• Use Anti-Reflective Screen Protectors

Screen protectors protect the screen and reduce glare from ambient lights or sunshine.

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• Use Artificial Tears

Artificial tears can be an effective tool in keeping the eyes comfortably lubricated.

 

Climate Change vs EYE

The eyes are one of the most unique organs of the body susceptible to developing diseases resulting from environmental factors. Since the eyes are exposed directly to the environment, any changes in weather, climate, dry conditions, and pollution can affect it.  Ocular deterioration is mainly caused by three elements, namely oxygen, heat and solar radiation. Out of which, exposure to heat and radiation are more dangerous.

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The rise in surface temperatures on Earth is called global warming or climate change. This is caused primarily by our use of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

 

Consequences of climate change

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

 

Increased UVR can lead to    

• Eye lesions(cataracts)

• Snow blindness (sunburn on the eye),

• Pterygium (growth of the mucous membrane that covers the white of the eye)

• Acute photokeratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

• Photo conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva)

• Acute solar retinopathy (solar burn to the retina)

• Macular degeneration.

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Oxygen depletion

A healthy flow of oxygen to the eyes is essential for maintaining good vision. Oxygen depletion adversely affects the eyes as the eyes need oxygen to function optimally. Eyes need to breathe, one reason why it is important to remove contact lenses before sleeping.

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Contaminated water

Diseases like trachoma (a bacterial infection that can cause blindness) can spread through contaminated water. Dirty and contaminated water are also a breeding ground for water-related insect vectors that transmit diseases such as onchocerciasis – a parasitic disease which can also lead to blindness.

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Airborne particles

With the increase in impure air, the incidences of eye allergies and all types of allergies is on the rise. Particles in the air can cause eye irritation and increase the risk of eye infection. With the traffic-related air pollution, we are regularly exposed to ambient nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can lead to an increased risk in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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Excessively dry weather

As the eyes are exposed to the elements daily, dry weather can cause serious problems for those prone to dry eyes.

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Protecting our eyes

Few ways to protect the eyes

1. Sun hat - wearing a sun hat outdoors can reduce UV exposure by up to 30%.

2. Sunglasses - Spectacles or contact lenses with a built-in UV filter to protect your eyes from UV rays.

3. Eye drops - To combat dry eyes, use eye drops for relief against sore, irritated eyes.

4. Protect children - Limit exposure to intense UV light. Babies especially should be kept shielded from the sun’s rays.

5. Try to use clean water to wash your face.

6. Wear glasses to reduce dust particles getting into the eyes