Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 9: As screen time continues to rise in today’s digital era, medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to digital devices is emerging as a major cause of visual health issues, particularly among the elderly and children.
On the occasion of World Sight Day, ophthalmologists urged the public to take preventive steps to protect their vision — including reducing screen time and scheduling regular eye examinations.
Doctors said that staring at screens for extended periods forces the eyes to focus closely and continuously, resulting in a condition known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Common symptoms include blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and pain in the neck and shoulders.
They further noted that children are particularly vulnerable, as excessive screen time at a young age increases the risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness) early in life. The condition, if left unmonitored, can lead to long-term complications, they added.
Dr Tariq Dar, an ophthalmologist, highlighted the growing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which they said is a leading cause of vision loss among the elderly.
“The number of AMD cases has doubled over the past decade,” he said. “Regular eye check-ups every six months are essential for the elderly to ensure early detection and treatment of such conditions.”
He recommended that children should undergo an eye check-up at least once a year, even if they don’t display immediate symptoms.
Dr Nusrat, another ophthalmologist, said that a significant number of vision problems are preventable. “Refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are among the most common causes of preventable blindness in India,” she said.
Dr Nusrat advised maintaining a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and lean meats such as fish to promote better eye health. “It’s important to get your eyes tested regularly,” she said. “Many eye conditions show no symptoms until the advanced stages, when significant damage has already occurred.”
The doctor warned that individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic illnesses are at a higher risk of developing eye complications and should undergo more frequent evaluations.
Meanwhile, doctors highlighted recent technological advancements that have transformed eye care. “Gene therapy is now being used to treat genetic eye disorders such as Leber Congenital Amaurosis, and artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in the early and accurate diagnosis of eye diseases,” they said.
They also noted the development of wearable devices and mobile apps that help patients track symptoms and receive reminders for eye exams, making preventive care more accessible.
Doctors offered several practical tips to maintain eye health. These include reducing screen time, especially for children and office workers, taking regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
They advised eating a nutrient-rich diet that includes vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, staying well-hydrated, avoiding overexposure to blue light from screens, and watching for early warning signs such as blurred vision, floaters, flashes, or changes in night vision.
