Caring for our most overused body sense

The eyes are perhaps the most misused, ignored and overused part of the body. We

use it while working in front of the computer, staying connected throughout the day via

our mobile phones and tablets and even while entertaining ourselves watching movies

and videos. Until we feel there’s something wrong, we tend to ignore our eyes because

they are just there.

Now, more than ever, our eyes suffer even more abuse. According to Dr. Joy Go,

assistant vice president for marketing and merchandising of Ideal Vision Center (IVC),

Because of all the electronic gadgets we use continuously throughout the day IVC

deemed it necessary to upgrade its campaign from combating computer vision

syndrome to digital vision syndrome.

“In the early 2000s, we had PCs so we’re talking about computers then. But now that

almost everyone has a smartphone or a tablet, our eyes are constantly exposed to

harmful blue light and at such a close range that they are easily absorbed by our eyes,”

said Dr. Go, a graduate of optometry from the Centro Escolar University. Since she

became a doctor and joined the family business, she has been involved in various eye

health care campaigns to educate the public on the importance of eyecare and

prevention of vision problems.

Staring at our gadgets for eight straight hours can be very harmful because they emit

harmful blue light. Our eyes have holes, called iris, through which lights pass, she

explained. “These harmful lights, when absorbed excessively by our retina, can cause

eye damage and blindness.”

So how does one prevent vision problems? First, Dr. Go said, one should set a time

limit on electronic device usage. “Don’t stare at your gadgets continuously for long

hours, especially not at night before going to bed because that’s the time when our body

needs to “heal and recuperate.””

Those who are working in the office must practice the 20/20 rule. “After every 20

minutes of working in front of the computer, take a break and look outside for about 20

minutes, or if not possible, five to ten minutes. Then you go back to working again.”

She added that proper distance from the computer should also be observed. “It helps a

lot. Kasi hindi lang mata ang masisira, pati ulo at likod.” It is a must to blink and rest our

eyes from time to time.

Lastly, Dr. Go stressed on the importance of wearing protective glasses with right

lenses. “We want to raise awareness on the importance of wearing protective glasses

which mean fewer headaches and less eye fatigue and damage caused by harmful

lights from computer and devices screens.”

As a testament to their advocacy campaigns, IVC has been working with Essilor, the

leading ophthalmic company in the country, for more than three decades now. Both

companies share the same vision of raising awareness on proper eye care. The

partnership also helps IVC provide advanced products to their clients.

Among the Essilor brands available at Ideal Vision are Crizal, Essilor’s flagship brand

that provides complete protection against harmful UV rays; Transitions, the leading

photochromic lenses that adapt to the changing light indoors and outdoors; and Varilux,

the world’s most advanced progressive lens for those 40 years old and above.

Dr. Go is hopeful that one day, people will realize how important vision care is. She

considers it a challenge and finds the thrill in finding new ways to raise awareness on

quality eye care for Filipinos.