We are all aware of the negative impacts of technology and the dangers of becoming addicted to electronic devices. Nonetheless, many people disregard or fail to follow warnings, allowing their addiction to harm their health. A woman from Hyderabad has a similar nighttime smartphone addiction. Her habit of reading through social media at night caused her to lose her vision.
Details about a woman in Hyderabad loses her vision after using her smartphone in the dark
Dr. Sudhir, a Neurologist from Hyderabad, detailed on Twitter how a 30-year-old woman ruined her vision owing to her habit of glancing at her smartphone at night in a dark room.
The doctor claimed in his Twitter thread that one of his patients, Manju, came to him with symptoms such as seeing floaters, bright flashes of light, black zigzag patterns, and occasionally a lack of eyesight or concentration on items. She was diagnosed with smartphone vision syndrome (SVS) after undergoing a medical test, which can lead to eye-related disorders such as blindness.
According to the doctor, her habit of spending a lot of time on her phone in the dark was the cause of her vision loss. She’d been doing it every day for about a year and a half. “I reviewed the history. Symptoms had started after she quit her job of a beautician in order to take care of her specially abled child. She picked up a new habit of browsing through her smartphone for several hours daily, including >2 hours at nights with lights switched off,” Dr Sudhir tweeted.
However, after observing her habit, the doctor suggested her to take medicine and limit her screen time. She was able to regain her vision after taking the prescription and avoiding the screen. “At 1-month review, Manju was absolutely fine. Her vision impairment of 18 months had gone. Now, she had normal eyesight, did not see any floaters or flashes of light. Moreover, her momentary loss of vision at nights also stopped. Our suspicion was proved right,” the Twitter thread continues.
While Manju was treated on time, it is concerning that many people suffer from smartphone vision syndrome (SVS), also known as “computer vision syndrome” (CVS) or “digital vision syndrome”. What makes matters worse is that this illness might result in partial or complete visual loss. Although one can be cured with medication and lifestyle modifications, using a smartphone responsibly is still required.
According to data.ai (previously App Annie), the average smartphone consumption length in India will be 4.7 hours per day in 2021, up from 4.5 hours in 2020 and 3.7 hours in 2019. In addition to increased screen time and the influence of blue light from digital devices, the number of individuals using cellphones in low light in dark rooms is growing. These factors not only have a mental impact, but they also increase the likelihood of eyesight deterioration, which may only lead to regret.
While it is impossible to avoid cellphones entirely, it is strongly advised to limit screen time and live a healthy lifestyle. Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, technology can help you cut back on screen time. Turning on Zen mode, for example, will help you keep away from your smartphone. Turning on the blue light filter will help you reduce eye strain. Set a timer and take a 20- to 30-minute vacation from the screen. Begin exercising and put your smartwatch to good use.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sudhir recommends that people “Long periods of staring at digital device screens can result in severe and disabling vision impairments. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to stare at something 20 feet away while utilising a digital screen (20-20-20 rule).”
