When Did You Pause For Your Eyes Last?
A very interesting article I read recently on how the OTT platforms are achieving a different peak with the changing entertainment delivery models. A line that made me pause was – “we internalise the dialogues, start believing in the protagonist’s idea of life and care for our favourite character more than we ever cared about our dark circles induced by non-stop streaming.”
While the glamour industry might be worried about the dark circles, people, in general, seem to be least anxious about their eyes. A recent survey suggested that nearly 23% of the Indian population saw their eyesight weakening because of excessive screen time. It also studied the correlation between the vision loss/ rate of vision loss and the time spent online. Surprisingly, despite Indians spending relatively lesser time online (~396 minutes a day) compared to the highest time spent by the Philippines (~656 minutes), India ranks first when it comes to the % of the population with any type of vision loss vs. the Philippines at number 7.
The revelation thus suggests that there are certain conditions already present in the Indian population making them more vulnerable to increased screen time. In the scenario where the virtual world is bound to be the lifestyle, it is crucial to understand these hidden causes and the solutions to ensure good eye health.
The four major eye-related issues that we see in India are - diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, AMD (age-related macular degeneration), and UV light impact. Basis 2020 data, India had 2nd highest diabetic patients in the world after China. While the impact of diabetes on the eyes is preventable and can be delayed, lack of awareness is constantly adding to the number. While the patients are regularly checking their sugar levels, the eye check-up is done only when some vision issue is observed. We have to start early and adopt preventive health solutions and acquaint ourselves with the various health supplements that can be consumed to mitigate the risk of various eye ailments. Elaborated clinical researches are available right at the click; read them and get familiar with the health benefits delivered by these supplements.
Lutein, which is found in the marigold flower is an important vitamin for eye health. Similarly, zeaxanthin, which is found in the retina of the eye, lowers the incidences of AMD. A very recent clinical research conducted by us at OmniActive showed that the multi-ingredient supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin, and vitamin D3 improved eye hydration, and moisture, tear stability and quality, and overall eye comfort in individuals with mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. Further, the bioavailability study on custom lutein and zeaxanthin of the particular ingredient depicted that it is advantageous to increase vision protection and performance.
In India, while our disposable income is increasing, our budgets are not finding a place for health. We start thinking about preventive therapies only when get trapped into lifestyle and chronic disorders. We have to make health spend a parallel process. Investing in regular checkups, discipline in an exercise regime, and the inclusion of dietary supplements as a daily fulfilment is a must. Rather than waiting for anomalies to occur, be proactive in increasing awareness and available solutions. The study published in the latest Lancet report says that 90% of people with vision impairment have a preventable or treatable cause with existing highly cost-effective interventions.
While the OTT platforms made binge-watching a lifestyle, they provided flexibility to play and pause as desired and also choose what and when to view. It is now in our hands when to pause for the sake of our eyes.
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