Side effects of Online classes dry eyes, headaches & blurred vision

GUWAHATI: With the majority of private schools in Assam conducting online classes due to the ongoing lockdown, ophthalmologists are receiving many cases of eyestrain and poor vision among children.

"Such cases are increasing and some of the children have been even detected with the 'Computer vision syndrome'. I had seen around 20 to 25 cases of children with issues of blurring of vision, dry eyes, and headache. After making queries with their parents I have found that these kids are keeping the gadgets close to their eyes. This is bad for their eye muscles and when they put excessive effort, it causes blurring of vision," a paediatric ophthalmologist told The Sentinel on Sunday.

The doctor while quoting parents added that they have to manage children who put up petulant fights for their usual quota of online games and videos after attending online classes for four to five hours.

According to a conservative estimate, over 5,000 children below the age of 15 years had consulted ophthalmologists in city hospitals and private clinics in May. Majority of these children suffered from short-sightedness. "Excessive strain is the reason for reduction in eye power, weakening of eye muscles and dry eyes," another ophthalmologist said.

Doctors at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital said that while staying glued to a digital screen, the blink rate reduces.

"Blinking helps moisten the eyes. Not blinking enough can cause dry eyes. The gadget must be placed at least at an arm's length to reduce strains. Students attending online classes have to take extra care of their eyes. They have to reduce the time spared for watching other online videos and games. For children under two years of age, screen time is not recommended. Above five years, some time can be allowed," a doctor said.

A survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 has found that almost 40% population of Assam have some form of defective vision, while approximately 18.8% of the Indians suffering from cataracts belong to Assam. The problem of defective vision is more among the people of rural Assam due to ignorance, poverty and lack of eye care. Most of the adult people suffer from refractive errors and most of the elderly people suffer from cataract in rural Assam. Diabetes-related cataract is also increasing among the rural people of the State.

Also watch: Evening Bulletin | 13th June, 2020