Just place the tip of a finger on the cellular phone, there is an explosion of information. The mobile technology embedded with an internet connection has taken the population by storm. We can’t resist and stay without cellular technology. Mobile is the most touched object in the world today and has become part & parcel of our life. It has also become nonsense by stealing productive hours, depriving creative thinking and e-addiction is emerging as the major health problem. India has over 90 crores smartphone users and the recent survey states we are the 2nd largest users of internet data (only next to China) and on average Indian eyes are glued to mobile for close to 3 hours.
Researchers at the University of Toledo, Ohio, USA have found the glow emitted from most smartphones, tablets, and laptops can strain the eyes, promotes the growth of “poisonous molecules” in eyes, leading to headache, loss of sleep, restlessness, blurred vision, dry eyes, sore eyes, and macular degeneration (serious eye disease).
Overuse of smartphone can result in various physical problems which may be difficult to treat; Digital eye strain, strain in the neck, shoulder pain, road traffic accidents (Use of phone while driving) and excessive use of cellular technology may lead to infertility. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies cell phone radiation as a “possible human carcinogen” due to an increased risk of brain cancer from the long-term and uncontrolled use of cellphones.
How to overcome?
1. Blink, blink and blink again. Blinking of eyes frequently keeps your eyes moist and decreases dryness and irritation. Keep your eyes wet by blinking about 20-30 times every 15-20 minutes. Frequent blinking helps to refocus your eyes.
2. Minimize glare. Buy an anti-reflective coating and put it on a smartphone screen. Wash your eyes with cold water.
3. Take breaks. Take a break from the screen every 15-20 mins. Look as far as you can preferably greenery in day time or sky in the night. This simple exercise gives a soothing effect to eye muscles
4. Adjust your brightness. Having your screen too bright or too dark stresses your eyes out and can cause problems maintaining focus.
5. Keep a clean screen. Routinely wipe your smartphone screen with a dry cloth to remove distracting dust, filth, stains, and fingerprints.
7. Hold your smartphone farther away. Try holding the phone at least 16-18 inches away from your eyes to give your eyes a break.
8. No smartphone at bedtime: It is worst to watch the screen at bedtime, it is the major cause of mood swings and watching without night lamp is more dangerous. Lying down & watching screen can cause neck, shoulder pain, insomnia and morning sickness. Never keep mobile in the bed (below pillow) keep at least 8 ft away from the bed.
If you are constantly on your mobiles and laptops, it is a good idea to regularly check your eyes. Don’t miss-signs that you need glasses and gift yourself a clear vision.
Compiled by Pramod N Sulikeri.
