• What is Smartphone Vision Syndrome? Know how a Hyderabad woman lost her vision after using her smartphone in dark

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    What is Smartphone Vision Syndrome? Know how a Hyderabad woman lost her vision after using her smartphone in dark
    A woman from Hyderabad was diagnosed with smartphone vision syndrome, which caused her to lose her vision...

    Digital Desk: A woman from Hyderabad was diagnosed with smartphone vision syndrome, which caused her to lose her vision. Her smartphone usage caused her to almost permanently lose her vision.

    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 Series of tweets 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 went over the history. Symptoms began after she abandoned her profession as a beautician to care for her special needs child. She developed a new habit of checking her smartphone for several hours every day, including >2 hours at night with the lights turned off" Dr Sudhir stated on his Twitter feed. 

    However, after observing her habit, Dr. encouraged her to take medicine and limit her screen time. She was able to regain her vision by taking the prescription and avoiding the screen. "Manju passed the one-month review with great ease. Her 18-month eyesight impairment was gone. She now had normal vision and did not notice any floaters or flashes of light. Her nighttime vision loss also ceased. Our suspicions were confirmed," as said in the Twitter thread. 

    What is SVS?

    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 (originally 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 cell phones in low light in dark rooms is rising. These factors not only have a mental impact, but they also increase the likelihood of eyesight deterioration, which may only lead to regret. 

    How to limit your Phone screening time?

    While it is impossible to avoid cell phones 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 patients to "Long periods of staring at digital device screens can cause serious and disabling vision impairments.
    Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to stare at anything 20 feet away when utilising a digital screen (20-20-20 rule)."