Overview

Also called Computer Vision Syndrome, affecting people working more than 2 hours/day on screens. Prolonged use without breaks reduces blinking and fatigues eye muscles.

Causes

• Continuous focus on screens
• Poor lighting and screen glare
• Dry eyes and poor posture
• Infrequent blinking

Symptoms

• Eye fatigue, dryness
• Blurred or double vision
• Headache, neck/shoulder pain
• Difficulty focusing
• Burning sensation in eyes

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Clinical assessment, dry eye tests
• Treatment:
  • Artificial tears (lubricant drops)
  • Blue light filter glasses
  • Anti-reflective screen settings
  • 20-20-20 rule (every 20 mins, look 20 ft away for 20 seconds)

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Netra tarpana, Triphala eyewash, Brahmi rasayana
• Siddha: Eye-cleansing herbs and oils
• Unani: Arq-e-Gulab, diet for “cooling” the eyes
• TCM: Acupressure, chrysanthemum tea
• Homeopathy: Ruta graveolens, Natrum mur
• Nutraceuticals: Omega-3, Lutein, Zinc, Vitamin A

Caution

• Untreated strain can lead to dry eye syndrome
• Children may develop screen-related myopia

Prevention

• Maintain proper screen distance and brightness
• Blink often and take screen breaks
• Use artificial tears in dry environments