DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 12 (MExN): The National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB & VI), Dimapur district, organised an eye screening and awareness programme at the National Institute of Open School, Purana Bazaar, on October 9, in observance of the 26th World Sight Day.
Dr Asonla Aying, Senior Specialist at District Hospital Dimapur, highlighted the significance of World Sight Day and raised concerns over prolonged screen time. She noted that adults typically spend six to eight hours daily on digital devices, while children spend around three to six hours, contributing to declining eye health.
Dr Aying explained common vision issues, including Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome, characterised by dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain, caused by reduced blinking during prolonged screen use. She also spoke about myopia, or nearsightedness, projected to affect 50% of the world population by 2050, and urged preventive measures.
Practical tips for maintaining healthy eyes shared during the session included the 20-20-20 rule, adjusting screen brightness, positioning screens at proper distance and height, conscious blinking, using artificial tears, and regular eye examinations.
A total of 150 students attended the programme and underwent eye screening. The NPCB & VI team included Dr Asonla Aying, Ophthalmic Assistants Imkong and Kepito, DEO Zhovinuo, and attendant Tainla.
