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Tips for Computers, Tablets and Smartphone users

  Focusing on screens, such as of computers, tablets and smartphones, for longer duration can cause your eyes feel dry and tired. Here are s...


As the time is passing by, we are becoming more & more dependent on computers & mobiles, both for work and entertainment. Although, they have made the tasks a whole lot easier for us but spending extensive hours in front of them, puts a lot of strain on our bodies. The organs, which succumb first to this strain, are our eyes. So,

What is Eye Strain / Computer Vision Syndrome?

Eye strain is eye discomfort which occurs after one is performing a particular task for prolonged periods of time such as using computer for long durations.

Recently a new term has been conceived – Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) which is defined as 'Eye and vision problems linked to extended computer use that can affect adults and children'.

The good news is Eye strain doesn't have any long term consequences & does not cause permanent damage to the eye but it's definitely uncomfortable.

What are the Symptoms?

As the worst ever floods of human history have ravaged Pakistan, Diarrhoea is emerging the most common problem of the flood victims. Out of every 10 patients, 4 presented to me with Diarrhoea, 4 with viral conjunctivitis, 1 with a skin infection & 1 with other problems in the recent field camps. So,

What is Diarrhoea?
It is the increased water content & frequency of stools, as a result of which body becomes deprived of water & electrolytes.

How it is caused?
The most common cause of Diarrhoea, esp., in the flood victims is Gastroenteritis ( infection of the gut ) which occurs after taking in contaminated food & water. The reasons for contaminated diet are,
  1. Mixing of drinking water with sewerage.
  2. Lack of washing of hands before eating.
  3. Utensils washed with dirty water.
  4. Lack of proper cooking of food.
  5. Pests, like flies not prevented from sitting on the food.
  6. Food & water left in the open.

Viral conjunctivitis or Aashob-e-Chasham (in Urdu) is emerging as a common eye problem in Pakistan, after the worst ever floods of human history. It has affected even persons, who have not been directly exposed to the floods. Having worked in Nowshehra, Pakistan in the last week, I recognized that 90 percent of the patients presented to me with this eye problem.
So, 

What is this Viral conjunctivitis or Aashob-e-Chasham?
It is an acute viral infection of external eye. It is spread through direct contact such as with hands, sharing tools like towels, soap, bed. Some people say that it spreads by aerosol.

What are the symptoms?
The above patient, shown in the picture, presented with,
Redness
Irritation
and
Pain
in his right eye only.
 
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