Mobile phone, TV trigger vision impairment, say experts

KOCHI: Just like hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes, vision impairment due to refractive errors has become a  modern lifestyle disorder among children and youngsters. Though refractive errors like myopia or short sight and astigmatism can be the result of genetic abnormality, such disorders are now mainly caused by continuous use of mobile phone, TV and computer, according to experts. "As per a recent study, 25 to 30 per cent of the population in the country have  eyesight problems. In most cases, the reason lies in the modern lifestyle. Being exposed to the UV radiation and blue rays emitted by electronic equipment and intense sunlight are harmful to eyes,"  Dr. S.K. Sundaramurthy, ophthalmologist at Lotus Eye Hospital and Institute, Kochi, told DC.

"In children, problems with vision will develop faster after the age of eight. Some children develop a condition called anisometropia in which each eye has a different refractive power. Each eye can be near-sighted (myopia) or far-sighted (hyperopia). To deal with this condition, the treatment will involve refractive surgery and wearing spectacles. Anisometropia is seen commonly among the population in northern Kerala," he observed. Children watching TV and playing video games for long hours and those who use computer continuously for eight hours are highly vulnerable to eye disorders which are collectively called computer vision syndrome.

Though not suited for all patients, the introduction of laser technology has  drastically improved the quality of treatment for eye disorders. The laser treatment has made the treatments painless, more precise and minimised the chances for damage or infection. "Children from the age of six with refractive disorders come for treatment. In many cases, the disorder is not because of genetic factors but due to modern lifestyle," observed Dr. Paul Mathew of KPM Eye Hospital, Kochi.