Dr Bakula Kashyap, a leading ophthalmologist in Bangalore who runs her own clinic and also consults at NIMHANS, answers basic questions on eye health.

Interviewed by Sheela Krishnaswamy, Director - Wellness, ChiHealth.

Sheela Krishnaswamy - Computers, cellphones and television have invaded our lives to the point of no return. To what extent are we harming our eyes by using them every single day?

Bakula Kashyap - These comforts cannot be avoided in today's lifestyle. The continuous near-vision activity is what can harm the eyes. If it's interspersed with distant-vision activity, the harm is much reduced.

SK - What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)? What are the signs/symptoms?

BK - CVS is a fairly recently coined terminology which refers to a set of eye and vision related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Common symptoms experienced are
• Eye strain
• Burning sensation and irritation of the eyes
• Redness of the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
In most cases, symptoms of CVS occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform them.

SK - Is CVS widely prevalent? Typically who would get this problem?

BK - CVS is quite widely prevalent now as the use of computer has increased in all spheres of life. According to a study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, CVS affects about 90% of the people who spend three hours or more a day at a computer.
There are a few basic instructions which should be followed by all computer users, which are often ignored and these people would typically suffer from this syndrome. People with uncorrected refractive errors are likely to suffer more, hence an eye check up is mandatory.

SK - Who should use artificial tears and why?

BK - Studies conducted have shown that people viewing a computer screen or watching TV tend to blink less frequently. As a result of this, the tear film which is replenished with each blink, gets dried out. This, in turn, results in redness, irritation and burning sensation in the eyes. The answer to this is to make a conscious effort to increase the blink rate.
Artificial tear solutions when used make the eye comfortable by replenishing the tear film and can be used by anyone having the symptoms of CVS.

SK - How does an anti-glare screen on a computer help?

BK - Today, the monitors in use are low radiation monitors and one can set the background illumination to optimal levels. No anti-glare screen is needed. But, if there is no way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen glare filter. These screens decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.

SK - How can we prevent / control CVS?

BK - Here are some tips -
• 20 : 20 : 20 rule is a catch phrase commonly used. What it means is that after every 20 minutes of computer use, look into the distance at an object beyond 20 feet, or better still, at infinity ( horizon or the sky ), for a period of 20 seconds. This helps to relax the eye muscles which are responsible for the focusing mechanism of the eye.
• Increase the blink rate. Use artificial tear supplements if needed to make your eyes comfortable.
• Position the screen to avoid glare from over head lighting or a window.
• Proper positioning of the computer screen would help in maintaining the correct body posture and eye position. Ideally, the screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level and about 20 to 28 inches from the eye. Reference material should be placed above the keyboard and below the monitor or in a document holder so that there is no need to move the head to look from the document to the screen as shown in the picture.

SK - How often do we need to test our eyesight? If we already wear corrective glasses, how often should we get vision tests done?

BK - If you don't have any eye problems or symptoms, you would need an eye check up once in a year. Those with a symptom like headache, eye strain or blurred vision may need to gets their eyes checked once in 6 months.

SK - Can contact lenses be used all the time? Or is it required to change over to spectacles once in a while?

BK - Ideally, contact lenses should be used for 8 hrs in a day. In tropical countries, it is not advisable to wear lenses for extended time as the incidence of corneal complications is higher. It would be best to switch to eye glasses after 8 hours of contact lens wear. Lasik corrections of refractive errors are a good option available today, after which one could lead a spectacle-free and contact lens-free life.

SK - Does air pollution affect eyes? If yes, what is the solution?

BK - Yes, air pollution does affect the eye surface. Eyes are beautifully designed self cleansing organs, however the levels of pollution in cities today is too much for the eyes to handle.
It would be best to use protective glasses in such situations. The use of tear supplements to cleanse the eye after exposure to pollution is advisable. Please do not splash water into the eyes in an attempt to clean them as this harms the tear film which is a very delicately balanced fluid. Keep the eyes closed while splashing water on the face.

SK - Is mental stress in any way connected to eye problems?

BK - Mental stress can cause a gamut of psycho somatic disorders which could produce symptoms in any part of the body, including the eyes.

Eyes - Your Windows To The World - Part II
• What are the possible reasons for eyes to become red?
• Any simple steps to prevent stye and conjunctivitis?
• How important are sunglasses? Do tinted glasses protect eyes?
• Who can donate eyes, and who should not?

With deep gratitude to -
Dr Bakula Kashyap, MBBS, MS
Consultant Ophthalmologist - Kashyap Eye Clinic
Consultant in Neuro-Ophthalmology - NIMHANS

Kashyap Eye Clinic
Address - 410, 5th Main, 18th Cross, 3rd Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560011
Phone - 080 26649593 / 26651212
Email - drbakula_kashyap@yahoo.co.in