Pune: NIO Super Specialty Hospital, one of the most prestigious and renowned institutes providing ophthalmology services, recently released findings from a survey it conducted amongst patients in Pune. The findings of its comprehensive survey, conducted among 3000 patients over a 6-month period, found that most of the dry eye cases were linked to screen exposure commonly known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).
A significant number of patients presenting with dry eye symptoms were regularly exposed to prolonged screen time averaging from 6.3 hrs hr to 8.3 hrs per day. 46% of patients that reported the symptoms were IT professionals aged 25-56, followed by students (19%) and office employees (11%) aged 26 to 45 yrs. The survey also revealed that 10% of patients were homemakers aged 35 to 70 yrs and 8% were retired individuals aged 68 to 75 yrs. Patients from this age group clocked in a screen time averaging up to 4.6 hrs per day.
Speaking on the findings of the survey, Dr. Aditya Kelkar, Director, NIO Super Specialty Hospital said, “These numbers reflect the undeniable strain digital devices are placing on our eyes. Dry eye is no longer just a condition seen in older adults only. We are increasingly seeing younger individuals especially those working in technology sectors. At NIO, we have noticed more than 40-50 patients visit the hospital daily for dry eye symptoms related to CVS. Thus, we not only have to treat the symptom but we have to drive a change in how people perceive eye health. Through ongoing patient education and digital wellness advocacy, at our hospital we aim to empower individuals to take proactive steps in reducing eye strain and preserving long-term vision health.”
Among all dry eye patients surveyed, 89% required lubricating eye drops, while all were recommended the 20-20-20 rule i.e. every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away and to reduce excessive screen time.
The survey highlighted the urgent need for lifestyle changes and increased public awareness around the risks of unregulated screen exposure. With this in mind, NIO Super Specialty Hospital recently launched an awareness campaign called #BlinkOkPlease. As part of this campaign, the hospital is conducting several activities such as awareness seminars, screen free zones and awareness walkathons in order to help patients reduce screen exposure in their daily activities.
