Failing eyesight is a dark reality for today’s gaming crazy youth. Speak up talks to ophthalmologist and people who have had to wear glasses because of their lifestyles.
Charmi Telati wears glasses at the age of four. Is it because of watching too much television or are hereditary factors responsible for plight? According to a recent study, myopia among school children in India has double in the past decade. And ophthalmologist blames people for it. Eyes are priceless, but people don’t take care of them because they were given to them for free,” says eye surgeon and specialist Dr. HImanshu Mehta for the
Bladeless Lasik eye surgery in Mumbai with the latest technology. Who feels that today’s generation cares more about their cell phones than their eyes.
The reason why doctors feel there has been an increase in eye problems among youngsters is the early exposure to television, computers etc. eye surgeon Dr. Harshvardhan Ghorpade says, “There is an increase in eye problems amongst youngsters in terms of refractive errors (spectacle power). This is mainly because of the stress the eyes have to go through in its growing age where the child is exposed to computer, TV, Videogames and other gadgets.”
Nilanjana Dey, a 23-years old executive, got spectacles at the age of 15 and blames it on voracious reading. I never cared about the lighting. And never cared about it until my school conducted an eye check up camp when I came to know about my failing eyesight. Post that my parents took me to an optician.”
Many youngsters ignore or refuse to accept that they have vision problems. “Even after I got it checked I never used to wear my glasses. I started suffering from headaches and subsequent check up revealed that my condition has worsened, after that I started wearing my spectacles, “adds day.
She is not alone. Lekha Puri, a 30 years old project manager, is saddened by the thought that her face never be the same after donning spectacles. The computer screen might be blur I would prefer to rewind to a time when I did not know that I needed vision correction. I was having difficulties reading things but I put off going to a doctor for quite some time.”
However, Rajesh Narad, GM of Gangar Opticians says that in the past few years he has seen a change in people’s attitude towards wearing glasses. “Earlier would shy away from wearing glasses says Dr Himanshu Mehta the specialist of
bladeless cataract eye surgery in Mumbai at the Vission Eye Center Juhu. But today things have changed drastically. For example, youngsters come to our showrooms and buy glasses with zero power just because they look good in them.”
Dr. Himanshu Mehta criticizes people’s mentality and their indifference when it comes to taking care of their eyes. “One must realize that almost all of us have eye defects. However, the quality of defect may vary from person to person. Therefore, everyone must go for an eye check up irrespective of them having a problem or not it is always better to get yourself checked at the right time.”
He points out that eye problems are not unique to just today’s generation, they have been around but the incidence of these problems is more because of our lifestyle. “It is a myth that only old people can have vision problems. Also, there is a stigma attached to it. For instant earlier girls weren’t encouraged to wear glasses, not much has changed though today you have an option of wearing contacts,” adds Dr. Himanshu Mehta.
Dr. Ghorpade blames lack of knowledge among people for the vision problems. “Lack of discipline, excessively cajoling parents and availability of variety of options which are not ideally suited for health including diet and entertainment are reason for the various eye problems in today’s youth.
He adds, if anyone experience symptoms like visual disturbance, watering, redness and eye irritation, one must visit an ophthalmologist.” And who would age more than 25 years old Pritu hait, a senior account executive, who has been wearing glasses since the age of 11. “as an 11 years old kid I use to be glued to the television almost through the day. Initially I started experiencing eye strain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms. The power of my spectacles kept on increasing as I grew older.”
Dr. HImanshu Mehta wants people to not wait for the symptoms to show, but to visit a doctor at least once in a year. “Every child, even as young as five years of age, should visit an ophthalmologist. And if one has family history then it is even more important.”
Six out of 10 children have vision problems, yes you read it right. So don’t rub your eyes, visit an ophthalmologist.
For your eyes
• Eat lots of greens leafy and red colored vegetables
• Avoid any activity that will strain your eyes
• Blink eyes more and replenish eyes with lubricants. Take 5 minute break by looking at a distance while using the pc. Anti-reflective coated glasses are a good idea
• Get adequate sleep and drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
• Visit your ophthalmologist if there is blurring, redness, discharge or foreign body sensation
• If glasses are prescribed, always wear them and try polycarbonate glasses for children. These glasses do not crack or break easily
