THE HEALTH | OCTOBER , 2022

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

Optometrist Sim Wei Kiat , the founder of My Optometry , said : “ It is not just computers alone but other digital devices with screens such as smartphones , tablets and gaming devices which also cause DES .

“ When viewing digital screens for extended periods , you will experience discomfort and vision problems , and the severity increases with the amount of digital screen use .”

The eyes often must work harder when viewing digital screens . For example , when reading on a digital screen , factors such as reduced contrast between the letters and the background and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen makes viewing challenging .

As a result , digital device users are vulnerable to vision-related problems due to the high visual demands of computers and other digital screens .

Prevalence and risks of DES

“ DES is quite common and affects 80 per cent of digital devices users . And normally DES is a combination of eye and vision problems such as dry eyes , itchiness , and blurriness ,” explained Sim .

“ Anyone with prolonged use of digital devices will experience DES . However , it is most prevalent among teens , young adults and adults .

“ This is because they mostly use digital devices such as computers , smartphones and tablets in their daily lives for work and leisure .

From left : Nuraznira Muhammad , Sim Wei Kiat , Annie Lau An Nie and Nur Faten Amira Affandi .

Sim Wei Kiat

“ But we cannot rule out children as well . Because in today ’ s world , children are required to use computers and tablets for their education and studies , at home and even in schools . So , now we see more children being affected by DES .”

He also noted during the pandemic , when the lockdowns were implemented , people could not go out and were constantly using digital devices . This has resulted in a rise in DES problems and myopia progression , especially among children .

Signs of DES include constant eye tiredness , pain and discomfort , vision problems and inability to focus because of weakness in the eye muscles ; if not treated or addressed early , it could lead to infection and even blindness .

Contact lens for eye and vision problems

Sim explained that there isn ’ t a single type of contact lens that fits every eye and addresses every vision and eye issue .

Therefore , contact lenses must be fitted specifically to the patient ’ s needs and requirements . Sometimes , a person may even require two different lenses for each eye because they have different needs . The wide range of Acuvue contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care offers comfort and clarity by catering to various eye and vision needs .

“ They regularly introduce new contact lens innovations that support different eye and vision problems , including contact lenses for dry eyes and with blue light filters . They also have myopia-control contact lenses ”.

Promoting eye health awareness

“ So far , in Malaysia , we notice that the awareness of eye health is low . Most people only to get their eye power checked when they visit an optometry practice . They are unaware of the comprehensive eye examination service available at optometry practices .”

My Optometry , established in 2019 , offers a comprehensive eye examination for all ages , from young to old .

“ We aim to provide the highest standards of optometry eye care services . We also focus on myopia control in children . The comprehensive myopia control procedure includes measuring and examining the axial eye length , eye power and eye muscle .”

Before the pandemic , My Optometry collaborated with preschools to conduct eye screening and create awareness .

“ We did eye screening as well as conducted talks on eye health and vision , healthy eating , and proper eye protection to preschoolers ,” he shared , adding that he hoped to restart this programme soon . “ We also observe World Sight Day ( WSD ) every year . And for WSD 2022 in October , we will promote eye health awareness on social media throughout the month to encourage the public to get a comprehensive eye examination .” – The Health