About 60 million people around the world have Computer Vision Syndrome

About 60 million people around the world have Computer Vision Syndrome

Increasing amount of screen time has led to this condition exacerbating further, even in toddlers

New Delhi, 18 November 2017: As per recent statistics, the incidence of Computer Vision Syndrome ranges from 64% to 90% among computer users. About 60 million people globally suffer from this condition, with another million new cases occurring every year. According to research, our blinking frequency, which is supposed to be 15 to 20 times per minute, goes down by approximately 60% while using a computer.

Computer Vision Syndrome refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from the prolonged usage of computers, tablets, e-readers and cell phones. The level of discomfort apparently increases with the amount of digital screen use.

Using a computer or staring at a screen for prolonged periods can cause symptoms such as dryness, watering, and itching in the eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck and back pain.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Screen usage has increased everywhere today, be it among students or adults. Even toddlers are given mobile phones to watch videos and cartoons, etc. When we gaze at any screen, the eyes converge to focus on a point and this position is maintained for longer periods of time. On an average, a person spends about 4.4 hours of leisure time in front of screens. Add to this, the 8 to 10 hours spent on laptops and desktops in offices. That is how pervasive this phenomenon is. When a person is focusing on the screen, the eyes move back and forth. In an office setting, one may need to also look down at papers and then back up to type. The eyes react to changing images on the screen to create so the brain can process what is seen. All this puts a lot of strain on the eye muscles. To make things worse, unlike a book or piece of paper, the screen adds contrast, flicker, and glare.”

Uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities, and aging changes of the eyes, such as presbyopia, can all contribute to the development of visual symptoms when using a computer or digital screen device.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Another issue is that people often use their mobiles before they go to sleep. This can disturb sleep and also put a lot of stress on the eyes and the brain. It is better to listen to good music or even meditate an hour before hitting the bed. The first step to prevention is an awareness of the problem. There is a need to consciously wean ourselves away from screens.”

The following tips can help prevent computer vision syndrome.

• It is good to take a full one-week social media holiday if you are addicted to various social media.
• Everybody should have 30 minutes of electronic curfew before they sleep. This means not using mobile phones and other mobile devices for 30 minutes before sleep.
• Use mobile only when mobile.
• Limit mobile talk time to less than 2 hours a day.
• Once the battery is discharged, call it a day for mobile use.
• Follow the formula of “20-20-20″ to prevent dry eyes: every 20 mins, focus the eyes on an object 20-feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds or close the eyes for 20 seconds, at least every half hour.
• Spend less than 3 hours on a computer at a stretch.

Sugar-sweetened drinks increase risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Sugar-sweetened drinks increase risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Dr KK Aggarwal

A review of epidemiological studies published online November 2, 2017 in the Journal of the Endocrine Society has added to the growing evidence of the association of sugar-sweetened beverages with chronic lifestyle disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

The review, which examined the association of sugar-sweetened beverages with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and hypertension, found that regularly drinking sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and juice contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Most of the studies included in the review found that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages also increased the risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn increased the risk of developing heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The review included 36 studies on the cardiometabolic effects of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption from the last 10 years.

Most of the analyzed studies for metabolic syndrome included individuals who drank more than five sugar-sweetened beverages a week, while consuming as few as two servings of sugar-sweetened beverages a week increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Drinking at least one sugar-sweetened beverage a day was associated with high blood pressure.

These findings yet again highlight the need to educate the general public, the young in particular, about the adverse health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages, who frequently consume foods and drinks high in added sugars. It is very important therefore to raise awareness among the public about the lifestyle diseases prevalent in our country, which are now occurring at a younger age and the lifestyle measure by which these disease can be prevented.

(Source: Endocrine Society News Release, November 2, 2017)

IMA: All the pregnant women watch out for HELLP syndrome

IMA: All the pregnant women watch out for HELLP syndrome Immediate medical assistance is required if a pregnant woman experiences blurred vision, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, severe headaches or right side abdominal pain New Delhi, March 31, 2017: The HELLP syndrome, which stands for - hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count is a life-threatening disease that develops in 10 % to 20% of women during pregnancy. The syndrome is found to occur in women with severe preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The common signs and symptoms of HELLP Syndrome include severe headaches, indigestion, nausea, pain after eating a meal, chest/abdominal tenderness, vision change, shoulder pain, swelling and upper right upper side pain. The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome includes a series of blood tests, liver function test, blood pressure test, and urine tests to check the presence of protein. The global mortality rate of HELLP syndrome has been reported to be as high as 25%. It is critical for expecting mothers to be aware of the condition and its symptoms so they can receive early diagnosis and treatment. Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr. RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that “The HELLP syndrome occurs either at later stages of pregnancy or soon after the childbirth. Pulmonary edema, detachment of the placenta from the uterus, liver failure, clotting, hemorrhage and maternal and fetal lung failure are some of the complications found associated with the HELLP syndrome. Factors like a history of poor pregnancy outcomes, multiple pregnancies and maternal age > 25 years increase the likelihood of women developing HELLP syndrome during pregnancy. All pregnant women are advised to immediately consult their doctor if they experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or if their lab report indicates elevated liver enzymes, low red blood cell, and a low platelet count.” “HELLP syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, especially when high blood pressure and protein in the urine aren't present. Given that it’s symptoms are sometimes mistaken for gastritis, flu, acute hepatitis, gall bladder disease, or other conditions it is important to consult your doctor if you are under going any unexplained discomfort during pregnancy,” added Dr K K Aggarwal. Most often, the definitive treatment for women with HELLP Syndrome is the delivery of their baby. During pregnancy, many women suffering from HELLP syndrome require a transfusion of some form of blood product (red cells, platelets, plasma). Corticosteroids can be used in early pregnancy to help the baby's lungs mature. In some certain steroids may also be used in the management of the condition. Babies born to mothers with HELLP syndrome weighing over 2 pounds have the same survival rate as babies born to mothers without. Most cases of child deaths due to HELLP syndrome can be attributed to abruption of the placenta (placenta prematurely separating from the uterus), placental failure with intrauterine asphyxia (fetus not getting enough oxygen), and extreme prematurity making timely intervention and prevention crucial Preventive tips • Get yourself in the good physical shape before getting pregnant • Have regular prenatal visits during pregnancy • Inform your care providers about any previous high-risk pregnancies or family history of HELLP syndrome, preeclampsia, or other hypertensive disorders • Understand the warning signs and report them to your healthcare provider immediately • Trust yourself when "something just doesn't feel right" • Never ignore any kind of discomfort, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy • Never self-medicate during pregnancy