Take care of your most valuable organ: The eye

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Hi, am fatigue, accompanied by eye strain. Oh, did I invite you? Yes, by reading without a break and looking at the computer screen for too long.

So much to learn, so little time! Exams are here. And it’s that time of the year again when you are hooked on to your books and some to the computers. Have you realised your eyes are screaming for help?

Eye strain is fatigue of the eyes caused due to looking at the computer screen for extended hours or reading without a break. Medically, it is defined as a vague discomfort in and around the eyes accompanied by watering and redness of eye or blurring of vision. It happens when the focus of the eyes is on a single object for long hours.

Doctors express concern about ‘digital eye strain’ which happens when you spend too much time viewing laptops, tabs, mobile phones, ipads or other such gadgets. They are worried about modern-day epidemic of that of dry eyes.

For a clear vision, which provides comfort to the eyes, what is needed is a healthy tear film which can be maintained by blinking. It’s said a person should normally blink 10-20 times per minute but when we get glued on to those screens, the blink rate drops to 3-4 times per minute. This is harmful for the eyes.

Here are some easy ways to take care of your precious organ during and also after examinations:

• Make sure you study in a brightly-lit room.
• Get enough sleep. At least seven hours during night.
• Do not sit with the books or stare at a screen for too long. Take small breaks after every 40 minutes when reading.
• Do simple exercises. Try to look far, preferably out of the window, in to a green object that will soothe your eyes.
• Drink enough water and eat healthy and nutritious food.
• Cut down excess of tea/coffee as it just gives temporary relief.
• Hold the book at least 14 inches from your eyes. Keep computer or laptop in such a position that the blue light from the screen is not hitting your eyes directly.
• Avoid seeing social media sites in between your studies as it adds to visual demand and tires your eyes further.
• Too stressed out, count backwards from 10 at a slow pace.
• Shut your eyes and try to relax. This also acts as a memory booster.