DeStrain

Computer vision syndrome Use of digital media is rising across all age groups. More and more people are spending increasing amount of time on mobile phones, laptops and desktops. It is estimated that close to 3 billion people use internet globally. India has about 500 million people on internet in urban and rural areas together. The number of internet users is growing at the rate of 10-12%. Research has shown that 50-70% of people, who have a screen time of more than 3 hours at a stretch, will have eye related problems. Computer vision syndrome (cvs) or digital eye strain (des) is a group of eye problems caused by over use of digital media. Symptoms of cvs or des

• burning, irritation and dryness are linked to dryness of eyes
• headache, eyestrain, blurring of vision and loss of focus are linked to fatigue of the focussing muscles of the eyes

Various studies have shown a 30% loss of productivity because of cvs. How is cvs treated by bynocs?

1. Detailed history is taken by the optometrist
2. Questionnaire is given to the patient and depending on the score, a provisional diagnosis is made about the probable cause of the problem
3. A computerised diagnostic test is conducted on the  patented  bynocs software to assess the powers of the focussing muscles.
4. Consultation is done with the doctors to decide on the line of treatment

The treatment for cvs is:

1. Work ergonomics: it’s important that the computer is set up at the proper work distance. The best position for the monitor is little below eye level, about 20 to 28 inches away from your face. (you shouldn’t have to stretch your neck or strain your eyes to see what’s on the screen. Put a stand next to your monitor and place any printed materials you’re working from on it. That way, you won’t have to look up at the screen and back down at the desk while you type. You should be sitting in a good chair or using a standing desk. High-resolution monitors help us avoid squinting, as does proper lighting. Keep in mind that if everything else around in your environment is dark, then you’ll only further strain your eyes)

2. 20-20-20: this is the first defence for computer vision syndrome/digital eye strain and eye discomfort. After every 20 minutes of work, look away from the digital screen and stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces eye stress, and discomfort as the focussing muscles of the eyes get some rest.
3. Frequent blinking: the normal blink rate is about 12-14 times a minute and this falls down to about 3-4 times a minute while staring at a screen. This prolonged stares causes evaporation of normal tears and dryness of eyes. Frequent blinking is helpful to prevent this problem.
4. Treatment of dry eyes; moisturising eye drops are prescribed for dryness of eyes. These drops are usually safe and can be used regularly
5. Eye exercises on bynocs software: one of the most effective treatment for digital eye strain is eye exercises, where in the focussing muscles of the eyes are strengthened.

Here the patient is made to perform gaming activities on a laptop/ desktop by wearing red/blue glasses or with a flipper. Depending on the extent of the problem, an individual may require 7-10 sessions, each of 20 minutes duration.. Bynocs has shown 80-90% success rate in reducing symptoms by strengthening the focussing muscles.