Effects on eyes

Increased screen time & its Effects on eyes in pandemic

Effects on eyes in pandemic

Increased digital screen time amid the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the country’s rising burden of preventable eyes blindness, according to – All India Ophthalmology Society (AIOS). There is an immediate need to take preventive measures on thi very urgent basis, the society cautioned.

The Reason

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes in human lives and behavior. The lurking fear of spreading the disease and lockdowns have confined people at home more than ever.

Digital gadgets have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. Our reliance on them has increased remarkably during the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown periods. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a sharp increase in our screen time, owing to the increased time spent on virtual education, working from home, entertainment consumption, online shopping, and electronic communication with friends and family. Reliance on technology and digital solutions to keep children learning, entertained, and connected to the outside world has increased due to schools’ closure and strict containment measures. Most schools, too, have shifted to virtual and online classes for the continuation.

‘Screen time’ refers to the duration of time spent in activities that involve peering at a digital screen, including media viewing, working on a computer or tablet, electronic communication, and playing video games. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 stay-in periods, screen time in homes worldwide is at an all-time high. Internet usage is at an all-time high, and Google Classroom, social media usage, and online gaming have also gone up tremendously. One survey found that the number of people working remotely with digital devices during the Covid-19 pandemic has increased up to 30 percent.

It can also promote a sedentary lifestyle and affect sleep. Increasing screen-time due to the continuous usage of smartphones, laptops, computers, and other digital devices have profound effects on our eyes. It may result in a significant rise in complaints of eye issues, especially among children and young adults.

The eye problems related to near work experienced during or related to digital device usage are digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Reading a book or looking at a computer screen for long hours can contribute to eye dryness, making your eyes feel tired.

When you read or look at a computer, you don’t blink as frequently. We usually blink 12-14 times a minute, but while looking at a screen, our blink rate slows down, and the eyes get dryer. According to the American Academy of Optometry, anyone who exceeds two hours of computer use a day is at risk of computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) affects around 60 million people globally.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology noted that focusing on computer screens and digital displays can reduce a person’s blink rate by a third to half. This can cause your eyes to dry out and feel irritated, especially if you have an air conditioner that keeps your room’s humidity low. In most cases, symptoms occur because the task’s visual demands exceed the individual’s visual abilities to perform the job comfortably.

Symptoms

Eye strain from screen use can lead to visual disturbances and other physical discomforts, including tearing, gritty sensation, tired eyes, burning sensations, redness, blurred vision, and general eye fatigue. It can affect your vision, but it’s more of a comfort issue with an extended period’s device.

Eye strain and headaches can go hand in hand. For some people, eye strain can be a symptom of headache syndromes like sinusitis, tension headaches, or migraines. All of these things can change how your eyes feel.

Individuals who get migraines tend to be more visually sensitive, especially blue light; hence, electronics can cause more headaches. Accommodative eye strain tends to make your vision blurry or unfocused, while dry eyes are more likely to make your eyes physically hurt.

Secondary physical issues of eye strain include stiff neck, headache, backache, and overall fatigue. 

The bottom line is that too much screen time, whether for work or entertainment, is terrible for our health.

Eye strain can also happen when someone’s eyes have to work too hard due to incorrect prescriptions. If you are under-or over-corrected, which means that you have a wrong prescription, it can create eye strain by causing the eyes to overwork.

The excessive use of devices puts a strain on the eyes and is also a risk factor for myopia (nearsightedness). 

In other words, students staring at screens for prolonged periods may end up wearing glasses, and if they are wearing glasses already, the power may keep increasing.

The combination of more screen time and less outdoor time during the Covid-19 pandemic may damage our vision and put them at a higher risk of developing myopia or nearsightedness.

Causes for the digital eye strain

Less blinking: When you are hooked to any electronic devices, you tend to blink less. Less blinking causes dry eyes. Blinking is the natural reflex of the eyes to keep them moist. If blinking reduces to 6-8 times in a minute, it gradually results in dry eyes and becomes a cause for computer vision syndrome.

Improper workstation: If you have not set up your workstation correctly, it could cause computer vision syndrome. AC in offices strips the air of its moisture, thereby making the environment dry. This dryness, an improper workstation, or lousy sitting posture, makes people prone to computer vision syndrome.

Refractive errors: You might get accommodative eye strain because of undiagnosed vision problems like farsightedness, astigmatism, or issues with focusing.

Some Remedies

Establish a good screen schedule: Reduce screen-induced eye strain by using your screen time wisely. It is essential to leave the screen at least two hours before you go to bed. Studies show that blue light emitting from screens can affect natural sleep and wake uncle. Try and make use of digital screens, mostly for work-related purposes.

The following are some suggested guidelines by various experts on time and curfews.

0-3 years: At this age, the brain is going through ‘the critical period’ due to the prolific growth taking place in the mind. Too much screen time during this age range can leave their still-developing brains permanently damaged. If unavoidable, then for children 18 months to three years old, parents should choose only high-quality media and watch it with their child, engaging and interacting with them. Less than 18 months is a vehement, no!

3-5 years: Less than one hour per day of high-quality programming is recommended, with parents watching along.

6-12 years: Two hours. This is where the negotiations begin. More than two hours is still known to cause significant alterations in mood and behavior.

Over 12 years of age, do not allow more than three hours of screen time. There is enough data on challenging adolescent behavior in correlation with screen or gadget use for more than three decades. Academic grades, sleep, mood, and substances have all been found to be correlated with increased.

Take frequent breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Your office job or study-related projects may demand you to stay glued to the computer screen for over 10 hours. While it may seem impossible for you to cut down on screen time, you can pursue the 20-20-20 rule. As per this rule, after every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away. This will not only reduce eye strain but will also keep you active.

Exercising your eyes frequently: For eye convergence issues at home, do the ‘pencil push up’ exercise. Hold a pencil directly in front of your eyes, at arm’s length, then follow it with your eyes as you draw it slowly toward your nose. 

Blink often: Always remember to blink while watching television or doing work on any digital device. Blinking moistens the eyes to guard against dryness and irritation. Blinking happens without us having to overthink about it. However, prolonged computer work typically decreases blinking without the worker realizing it.

Use appropriate glasses: Computer glasses are specifically designed to reduce eye strain, headaches, eye fatigue, and eye soreness. Glare is the visual sensation you experience in excessive, uncontrolled brightness. Wear anti-glare/anti-reflective blue blocker glasses regularly if you’re always glued to the digital screens. These eyeglasses can filter out blue light emitted from digital devices.

Adjust your screen settings: If the current settings of your laptop or desktop are causing eye strain, then adjust the screen brightness, contrast, font size, and color temperature until you find what’s best for you. It’s also essential to upgrade your display if possible. The higher the resolution of your new monitor, the better off your eyes will be. Larger productions will result in less strain.

  • Ensure there is adequate lighting around you.

Good lighting is quite essential in the workplace to avoid any visual strain. Keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum, use blinds to prevent glare, or get a glare screen. Position the computer screen in such a way that it reduces reflections from windows or overhead lights.

When using a computer or other digital device for extended periods, that’s around. It should be approximately half as bright as what’s typically found in an office environment.

Exercise: Stretch your neck and shoulders frequently. During break time, move your arms and legs. Walk a bit.

Get a comprehensive eye test done: If you’re witnessing recurrent headaches, watery eyes, and blurred vision, then it is time for you to get a thorough eye examination done.

Drink plenty of water: Children ignore drinking water unless they’re thirsty. Drinking water keeps the body hydrated. It not only flushes out body waste but also regulates body temperature. Most importantly, it hydrates the eyes, flushes out salt, and reduces eye strain.

  • Eating more greens:

 Include green leafy vegetables in your diet to keep your body and eyes healthy. The nutrients present in green vegetables, like lutein and zeaxanthin, carry anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that keep the eyes healthy.

Use artificial tears: If your eyes feel irritated or dry, ask your eye doctor about using artificial tears to help combat dry eyes.

The Verdict

As we plan the future of education in the age of Covid-19, schools and policymakers must consider children’s vision needs while designing new initiatives. Schools, teachers, and parents can work together to incorporate eye health strategies and protect children as they learn online.

Encourage communication between you and your child. We as elders should initiate less screen time for our children to follow the same habits. Large populations are at risk of digital eye strain, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, proper digital device usage and appropriate screen time with all precautionary measures are essential to avoid this issue. 

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Antidepressants used during pregnancy

Antidepressants used during pregnancy

A lot of women suffer from depression, especially during pregnancy. This depression mustn’t go untreated as it can affect the mother’s health and hamper the child’s growth and development.

Antidepressants are usually the first-line drugs used. But during pregnancy, the question arises if it is safe to use these antidepressants and what effects, if any, occurs to the infant? 

What is depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that leads to a loss of interest and consistent sadness with low moods. It is caused by various reasons such as hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, or stressful environments, which leads to an alteration of neural activity in the brain.

Chemically there is a decrease in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels. These hormones cause the feeling of pleasure and happiness, and without this, the mind remains in a state of despair.  

During pregnancy, many women can undergo symptoms of depression without even realizing it. Pregnancy can often take a toll on the body and cause decreased energy levels and appetite and changes in sleep cycles and mood. Funnily enough, these are very similar to the symptoms of depression. The main symptoms of depression include:

• Hopeless outlook

• Low Interest 

• Fatigue

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Appetite changes

• Wavering emotions

• Suicidal thoughts

The Chemistry

Chemically, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are catecholamines secreted by the adrenal glands. Catecholamines play an essential role in learning, memory, mood control, anxiety, fear, social and reproductive behavior. When there is any change in the body’s emotional or physical conditions, these catecholamines are released to mediate the differences.

There is a decrease in these catecholamines during this phase, either by increased degradation by monoamine oxidases or hormonal imbalance. This is where the anti-depressants come to the rescue but inhibit the uptake or degradation of these much-needed catecholamines. 

Statistics

Almost 3-7% of women take antidepressants during pregnancy, which often increases after the fetus’s birth. Postpartum depression affects nearly 20% of the population. There is also an increased risk of depression by almost 20% of women who have suffered some kind of physical abuse or affective disorder. 

Making a decision 

Looking at these side effects, some women choose not to consume antidepressants, fearing for their fetus’s safety and wellness. However, when untreated, this condition can be fatal, and if the mother is not medically sound, it can directly affect the infant. 

Depending on the type of patient and the situation, it is up to the medicinal practitioner to decide whether it is suitable for the patient to undergo treatment or not. The administration is restricted in the third trimester unless necessary, and usually, only one type of drug is administered, i.e., monotherapy. 

In conclusion, depression is a severe mental disorder that should be handled effectively in the case of pregnancy as it affects the mother and the unborn fetus. Various therapies are found to be useful, but side effects do prevail in certain instances.

It is worth calculating the risks and benefits of treating this disorder to understand what works for the patient.

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Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal, or more specifically, a root canal treatment, is a procedure dentists use to save a badly infected tooth instead of removing it altogether. 

The pulp is the root’s innermost area, which is richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves. Any kind of sensation of the tooth, like sensitivity or pain, arises from this area. 

The root canal by itself is a region of space in the root of the tooth.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

This is also known as endodontic therapy, endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy. It involves the cleaning, disinfection, decontamination, and filling of the infected area of the root canal.

Removal of the tooth’s pulp and subsequent filling can prevent further microbial contamination and the spread of this infection. However, if the tooth is too damaged, dentists will most likely remove the tooth and replace it with dental implants or partial dentures. 

Why do we need this root canal treatment?

When a tooth gets infected, the bacteria attack the enamel first and slowly make their way through the dentin and eventually into the pulp.If the pulp gets infected, it can lead to tooth abscesses. Symptoms include:

  • Terrible toothaches that can radiate to the jaw and bone.
  • Increased sensitivity to extreme temperature changes
  • Pain while biting 
  • Fever may be present 

More severe cases of infection can also cause bone decay and tooth loss. 

The Procedure

Root canals previously would be excruciating procedures. With newer methods and better technology, it’s a procedure that will not cause a lot of pain and keep teeth healthy and clean. 

Local anesthesia is usually administered to patients undergoing this treatment. An opening is made through the tooth’s crown, and specific instruments are guided into the tooth’s innermost pulp area.

The infected pulp is then removed. Once the tooth is completely clean, the dentist will fill it with inert materials like gutta-percha, a cement made up of zinc-oxide eugenol.

Epoxy resin is used as a binder for gutta-percha. Antiseptic materials like paraformaldehyde containing N2 may also be used. 

Complications

Although this procedure aims to eliminate infection and pain in the mouth, a couple of complications could occur.

  • Infection: infection after a root canal is not common, but if present, it can cause damage in and around the area of the root canal. 
  • Accumulation of unwanted materials: Cholesterol crystals can accumulate and cause irritation and lesions.
  • Immune response: this procedure can trigger an overactive immune response that leads to adverse health impacts.
  • Toxic materials: Filling materials such as amalgam contain mercury and other metals, which can be harmful. 

Modern technology and recent findings have made complicated procedures such as root canals easier to carry out with a higher success rate. The pain caused due to a root canal is tolerable than the pain of an infected tooth.

Moreover, having a lax attitude can also spread the infection to other teeth in the mouth. Regular checkups, good mouth hygiene, and eating healthy foods can help prevent any kind of complication to the teeth.

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The Covid-19 Spread in India.

Children Major Cause for Driving The Covid-19 Spread in India.

The Covid-19 Spread in India.

According to the study, children are 56% less likely than adults to get infected by Sars-Cov-2 when they come in contact with an infected person, but how easily they pass on the infection to others remains unclear according to the study. Children Major Cause for Driving The Covid-19 Spread in India.

Where is a government now planning to reopen schools and colleges, the situation can be worsened in the country? In a finding with implications for reopening schools, a new study has established that children and teenagers have half the risk of getting infected by Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, as compared to adults. 

A study analyzed around 6000 children. Published on May 16th this year, the study said 

“There is preliminary evidence that children and young people have lower susceptibility to Sars-CoV-2, with 56% lower odds of being an infected contact.

There is weak evidence that children and young people play a lesser role in transmitting Sars-CoV-2 at a population level. Our study provides no information on the infectivity of children,”

The role of children

Children and young people’s role in spreading the disease depend on several factors, including their susceptibility to infection, the severity of symptoms, viral load, social contact patterns, people’s role children, and risk behavior.

Clinical series and testing of symptomatic cases alone give biased estimates of susceptibility in children, who often don’t develop symptoms.

Although the president of Public Health Foundation of India, K Srinath Reddy, said 

“The susceptibility of children to Sars-Cov2 is low, according to most of the information. If they are asymptomatic, as most are, transmission risk will be  low,”

Research

Studies on Covid-19 prevalence in children have produced widely varying results, the University College London analysis noted.

Extensive studies from Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain and Italy showed markedly lower Sars-CoV-2 prevalence among children and young people. Still, studies from Sweden, the UK and some cantons in Switzerland and Germany found no difference in infection prevalence between adults and children.

The Swedish Public Health Agency found 4.7% antibody prevalence in children and teenagers, compared to 6.7% in adults aged 20 to 64, and 2.7% in 65 to 70-year-olds, indicating significant spread in schools.

Rajesh Sagar, professor at the department of 

Psychiatry at All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi said, “Long-lasting school closures not only leads to a loss of learning but the isolation also harms their mental health and social development, so we have to consider whether the harm outweighs the infection risk for children, who can spread it to their families, school staff and the community,”

Socially and economically deprived children who depend on schools for mid-day meals are the ones who are worst affected by this pandemic. 

“Most young children find it difficult to follow social distancing norms and given a large number of students in one classroom, and crowded transport and playgrounds, schools can easily turn into infection clusters if children infect teachers or take the infection to their family and neighborhood, even if they don’t get the severe disease themselves,” said Sagar, who specializes in child mental health.

“School provides a structured setting in which children can learn and develop social competencies, such as self-confidence, friendship, empathy, participation, respect, gratitude, compassion, and responsibility.

Social and emotional learning is important for young people to become conscious members of a solidarity-based community.”  Said a paper on rethinking the role of schools after Covid-19, published in The Lancet

What can be done?

A hybrid model of education with greater dependence on e-learning is being used in many countries that are reopening schools post lockdown, but it has its challenges.

Although Dr.Sagar added,

“Since all children do not have access to online learning because of uneven access, teaching using radio and television should be considered as that group cannot be ignored.”

Alternative theories. 

Some researchers are stating that Child to child spreading has been a tiny fraction of all identified cases. Even where schools or daycare centers have been open, it has stayed low.

For teenagers and up, the spreading rate increases with age. The virus cannot alter the immunity system in children because it hasn’t reached a certain level of maturity. 

However, the risk is that even if kids are less likely to catch the virus or are either asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) or show milder symptoms. Still, they can always actively transmit the germ to another person. So, never rule out the precautions of masking, social distancing, and hygiene.

We in India have passed out a huge coronavirus wave, but we can’t afford to mishandle the situation. Taking self-care is mandatory. Many people have shared their experience regarding their kids getting affected by covid-19. 

Amongst all these theories and explanations, the proposing inferred from the situation is that The evidence clearly shows that all people, regardless of age, can get infected by SARS-CoV-2. While research shows that kids are more resistant to severe illness from the coronavirus, they are still at risk and can spread the virus even if they are not sick.

Researchers evaluated RNA (the genetic blueprint of the virus) in nasal swabs taken from 145 infected people between March and April, including 46 children younger than five and 51 children aged 5 to 17. Children with severe symptoms requiring oxygen support – who would be most likely to have the highest detectable virus levels – were excluded.

Since the virus affects people with underlying medical conditions more severely, everyone with pre-existing conditions is at risk, and children are no exception to this.

Behavioral experts say that since children come in contact with other children more frequently than adults, the risk of transmission, however low, increases more. Schools and colleges are still closed for this very reason. 

 Whatever may be the truth. It’s not safe to jump conclusions straight away. We must follow the experts and if they think that children are likely to spread the virus faster, we must honor their research and not challenge them until a sustainable solution comes up to this pandemic. Our safety is in our hands!

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Post-Diwali Eye & Skin Care

Post-Diwali Eye & Skin Care – Saideep Hospital

Post-Diwali Eye & Skin Care

Diwali is known as the festival of lights, also a celebration known to cause different kinds of injuries. This year let us be aware of how to take good Post-Diwali Eye & Skin Care – Saideep Hospital

Diwali celebrations mean lots of fun and enjoyment. Unfortunately, improper handling and playing with fireworks account for thousands of emergency room visits each year during the festival. Most people do not think of the accidents that could occur during the festivities due to the fireworks and sparklers. The leading cause of injuries on Diwali is the lack of appropriate safety measures during playing with crackers.

Despite the various health and environmental concerns, few still go ahead in bursting crackers. We need to be aware of the eye and skin safety measures to ensure Diwali’s joy stays with us post the celebrations.

The majority of injuries are associated with flowerpot and bottle rocket crackers. Burns are the most common type of injury.

Eyes are the second-most common area to be affected after hands and fingers. Contusions (blood clots), lacerations(cuts), and foreign bodies in the eye are seen frequently. Bottle rockets can fly into people’s faces and cause eye injuries; crackers can damage the eyesight if they explode at a close range.

These eye injuries could cause loss of vision, especially in children. Cracker causes blunt and penetrating injuries to about 6% to 10%, with nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide levels rise considerably, which also causes irritability and watering of eyes.

Eye Care 

  • Ensure that your eyes are well lubricated (consult your ophthalmologist for medicated drops)
  • Make sure to wash your eyes regularly post Diwali to remove any or all foreign substances.
  • If you are a contact lens wearer, ensure you clean your lenses well post the celebrations. It is advisable to throw the pair that you have worn to avoid any infections or irritations.
  • Don’t press or rub the eye with your palm or hand. In case of an injury, it may get compounded.
  •  If you feel any kind of burning or painful sensation in your eyes, don’t cover it with your hand or cloth as it creates undue pressure on your eye.
  •  It is better to avoid washing eyes in case of mechanical injuries.  In case of a chemical injury, wash the eye well with clean water.
  •  Don’t neglect any eye injury, however trivial it may look. It is always better to rule out vision-threatening problems
  •  If a particle is large or stuck in the eye, do not attempt to remove it. Visit your ophthalmologist immediately
  •  If any chemical substance has entered the eye, immediately wash your eyes with water for a couple of minutes

Skin Care 

  • Consume 8-10 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated. This will also help to keep your scalp cool, hydrated, and breathing all the time. It will help in reducing the effects of crackers and pollution on your skin & hair
  • Include more fruits and nuts in your diet to help your body stabilize after the heavy consumptions of Diwali sweets & snacks
  • Ensure you follow an exfoliating regime post-Diwali, to help your skin breathe from the heavy makeup and pollution it was exposed to.
  • Limit the consumption of sugar after the festive season
  • Consult your doctor in case of burns on the skin
  • If needed, get some medicated facial after Diwali
  • Avoid harsh surface chemical treatments during the Diwali month—be it for skin or hair

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