Dr. Rajesh T.G.

Sr. Physician

CTSP

 Desktop, laptop, Mobile, TV, all this became part of our life. We are not able to avoid all these Gadgets but can restrict ourselves to an extent. Every invention has its own merits and demerits.

The major physiological effect due to overuse of these appliances is on our eyes. This is called Computer Vision Syndrome. Research reveals that 50-90% world’s population using computers daily are affected by it. So how to protect our eyes is a matter of concern.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is similar to any disease due to repetitive motion injuries following same path over and over.

1. When we work on PC, our eyes may have to focus and re-focus every time. All type of movements i.e. upwards and downwards, rotation, sideways occur and this all send rapidly images to brain. For the movements of eye ball, ciliary muscle should work which give more load on the eyes and vision frequently when while using acomputer.This also causes dryness and blurred vision without periodical rest.
2. Eye floaters appear as a small spots that drift through your eye field. This may annoy you while its stands out when you look something bright.
3. Eye pressure syndrome. Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, early stage of cataract etc.
4. Puffiness of eyes-Due to over strain the muscle became weak and blood flowdoes not occur. This causes puffiness.
5. Watering –Again the repeated strain causes watering of eyes from lachrymal gland due to late duration of eye blinking.
6. Dryness and itching
7. Overall strain and stress can cause anxiety and depression in our mind.

Management

1. If symptoms persist please take an opinion for an Ophthalmologist to make sure that your vision is intact.
2. Limit the use of computer or phone screens as much as you can. Applying the 20-20-20 rule can help to prevent the problem. The rule says every 20 minutes spent looking screen, a person should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
3. Regular eye exercise helps to strengthen the eye muscles and ligaments.
4. Try to include gooseberries, carrots, and green leafy vegetables in your daily meals.

Ayurvedic management includes the following remedies

1. Intake of Triphala is ideal
2. Triphala kashayam may be used for washing eyes on a regular basis.
3. Medicated oil application overhead on a regular basis is helpful.
4. Medicines like Pathyakshadhathryadi kashayam, Patoladi ghrutham, Mahatriphalaghrutham,Suvarnamukthadigulika etc. may be used as per your Physician’s advice.
5. External treatments like Abhyanga, sirodhara, sirovasthy, Tharpanam, Pudapakam, Nethradhara may be done if symptoms persits.

‘Sarvendriyanam Nayanam Pradhanam’

The eyes are important among all senses. Sushrutacharya mentioned the importance of the eye among all sense organs.

Importance of Ajnanam (Collyrium): Anjanam may be applied on a regular basis to improve vision.

Importance of Padaabhyangam (oil application on foot): Padaabhyangam may be done on a regular basis with prescribed medicated oil. Ayurveda considers that one of the nerve tract is connected with the foot and eye. So this helps to improve our vision.