Watch less, see more

With the increase in screen time, there is an alarming rise in the number of patients with computer vision syndrome

- LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN

When 30-year-old Manju began seeing floaters and dark zig-zags, she put it down to tiredness and ignored it. After a few months it became a regular occurrence. She also began seeing bright flashes. Still, she ignored it. But, after a year it became more frequent and, at times, she was unable to see or focus on objects. Finally, Manju (name changed) decided to consult an ophthalmologist and was referred to a neurologist.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, senior consultant neurologist, Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, diagnosed her with smartphone vision syndrome. Manju, who was a factory employee, quit her job after she had a baby. Her husband would return from work late and Manju would stay awake till he was back. While waiting for him, Manju would switch off the lights, lie down beside her baby and watch videos on her smartphone for hours. She never thought the screen brightness, changing colours and the darkness in the room would do her harm.