Caring for our most overused body sense
The eyes are
perhaps the most misused, ignored and overused part of the body. We use it
while working in front of the computer, staying connected throughout the day
via our mobile phones and tablets and even while entertaining ourselves
watching movies and videos. Until we feel there’s something wrong, we tend to
ignore our eyes because they are just there.
Now, more than
ever, our eyes suffer even more abuse. According to Dr. Joy Go, assistant vice
president for marketing and merchandising of
Ideal Vision Center (IVC), Because of all the electronic gadgets we use
continuously throughout the day IVC deemed it necessary to upgrade its campaign
from combating computer vision syndrome to digital vision syndrome.
“In the early
2000s, we had PCs so we’re talking about computers then. But now that almost everyone
has a smartphone or a tablet, our eyes are constantly exposed to harmful blue
light and at such a close range that they are easily absorbed by our eyes,” said
Dr. Go, a graduate of optometry from the
Centro Escolar University. Since she became a doctor and joined the family
business, she has been involved in various eye health care campaigns to educate
the public on the importance of eyecare and prevention of vision problems.
Staring at our
gadgets for eight straight hours can be very harmful because they emit harmful
blue light. Our eyes have holes, called iris, through which lights pass, she explained.
“These harmful lights, when absorbed
excessively by our retina, can cause eye damage and blindness.”
So how does one
prevent vision problems? First, Dr. Go said, one should set a time limit on
electronic device usage. “Don’t stare at
your gadgets continuously for long hours, especially not at night before going
to bed because that’s the time when our body needs to “heal and recuperate.””
Those who are
working in the office must practice the 20/20 rule. “After every 20 minutes of
working in front of the computer, take a break and look outside for about 20
minutes, or if not possible, five to ten minutes. Then you go back to working
again.”
She added that
proper distance from the computer should also be observed. “It helps a lot. Kasi hindi lang mata ang
masisira, pati ulo at likod.” It is
a must to blink and rest our eyes from time to time.
Lastly, Dr. Go
stressed on the importance of wearing protective
glasses with right lenses. “We want to raise awareness on the importance
of wearing protective glasses which mean fewer
headaches and less eye fatigue and damage caused by harmful lights from
computer and devices screens.”
As a testament to
their advocacy campaigns, IVC has been working with Essilor, the leading
ophthalmic company in the country, for more than three decades now. Both
companies share the same vision of raising awareness on proper eye care. The
partnership also helps IVC provide advanced products to their clients.
Among the Essilor
brands available at Ideal Vision are Crizal, Essilor’s flagship brand that
provides complete protection against harmful UV rays; Transitions, the leading
photochromic lenses that adapt to the changing light indoors and outdoors; and
Varilux, the world’s most advanced progressive lens for those 40 years old and
above.
Dr. Go is hopeful
that one day, people will realize how important vision care is. She considers
it a challenge and finds the thrill in finding new ways to raise awareness on
quality eye care for Filipinos.
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