By Dr. Intisar Khalafallah Awad, Consultant Ophthalmologist, UMC Victoria Hospital
Dr. Intisar Khalafallah Awad, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at UMC Victoria Hospital, has years of experience in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye diseases. She is dedicated to promoting better eye health in our community through clinical service, research, and public awareness campaigns.
In this article, she sheds more light on how we can protect our vision in today’s digital world, where screens have become an inseparable part of our daily lives.
How Can We Protect Our Vision in a World Increasingly Dependent on Screens?
In today’s digital age, our eyes are constantly exposed to screens—computers, smartphones, and tablets. Prolonged exposure can cause strain and fatigue, but with simple habits, we can protect our vision:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Adjust screen brightness to match your environment.
Use anti-reflective lenses or blue light filters.
Take regular breaks and spend more time outdoors to rest your eyes.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye examinations are crucial because many sight-threatening conditions—such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration—may not cause symptoms in their early stages. Early detection through comprehensive exams allows for timely intervention and prevents irreversible vision loss.
Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain
Excessive screen use leads to digital eye strain, presenting as dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain. To reduce strain:
Keep screens at arm’s length and slightly below eye level.
Blink often to keep eyes lubricated.
Use artificial tears if necessary.
Limit screen time, especially before bedtime.
Preventable Causes of Blindness
Globally, up to 80% of blindness is preventable. Common causes include:
Cataract – treatable with surgery.
Glaucoma – manageable if detected early.
Refractive errors – corrected with glasses.
Diabetic retinopathy – prevented through blood sugar control and regular retinal exams.
Corneal blindness – avoidable with proper hygiene and protective eyewear.
Eye Health Equity Across Populations
Access to eye care is not universal. In many low-income settings, people face barriers to affordable eye care, leading to higher rates of preventable blindness. Promoting equity means ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background, can access eye exams, spectacles, medications, and surgeries.
Public Health Initiatives and Awareness
At UMC Victoria Hospital, our Ophthalmology Department is dedicated to improving eye health through:
Free eye screening camps.
School eye health programs.
Community awareness campaigns on diabetes, glaucoma, and cataract.
Training healthcare workers to detect and refer eye conditions early.
Final Remarks
Vision is one of our most precious senses, and protecting it requires a collective effort. By reducing screen strain, attending regular eye checkups, addressing preventable causes of blindness, and promoting health equity, we can safeguard sight for future generations.
At UMC Victoria Hospital, our mission remains clear — to deliver world-class eye care “Where Care Comes First.” Together, let us commit to preserving the gift of sight for all.
