Its examination time and students in almost
the grades especially those attempting board examinations have their noses in
their books. It is commendable that every student is preparing to give their
best. However, half way through the examination, most students find their far
vision blurring and some even develop myopia.
According to a study done by AIIMS (All
India Institute of Medical Science), 17% children or 1 out of 6 children aged
between 5-15 years are suffering from myopia. According to UN data, countries
where myopia prevalence was estimated and measured as low in the past, such as
India, will have major increases by 2050.
Guiding how students can save their eyes in
the examination season, ophthalmologist Dr Amit Solanki answers common issues
faced by students.
Ques: Why do students complain of blurred
vision during examination despite not having myopia?
Solanki: Not all the students having
blurred vision have myopia. During examination, what students face is known as Pseudomyopia.
It is an intermittent and temporary shift in refractive error of the eye
towards myopia, in which the focusing of light in front of the retina is due to
a transient spasm of the ciliary muscle causing an increase in the refractive
power of the eye.
Ques: How serious is pseudomyopia?
Solanki: If not taken care of, then peudomyopia
does frequently progress on to true myopia. So it is essential that students
give their eyes a break and take up some simple eye exercises.
Ques: Can pseudomyopia affect academic
results?
Solanki: With pseudomyopia, students often
face headaches, eye strain and even struggle to concentrate on their studies.
There have been several studies conducted throughout the world including India,
where it has shown that improper vision can affect the results largely even the
student studies well.
Ques: Please suggest some exercises that
can help students in keeping their eyes relaxed during and after examinations:
Solanki: The following exercises will help
students in strengthening their eye muscles and reducing the risk of myopia.
Students should try these during and even after examinations for recovery of
eyes from pseudomyopia.
Five exercises to keep your eyes relaxed
during preparations
1)
The 20-20-20 Rule: It is a simple eye
exercise according to which you need to focus your eyes 20 feet away for 20
seconds in every 20 minutes. This allows your eyes the needed distraction and
your eye muscles get the required relaxation from the prevailing strain.
2)
Vision Exercise: At the distance of the
length of your arm hold a pencil in your hand. Now, focus at the tip of the
pencil and steadily bring it closer to your nose. As the pencil approaches your
nose, you might be able to see two pencil tips instead of one. Move the hand
back a little till you see the tip single again and maintain focus.
3)
Blinking: Adequate and repetitive
blinking of the eyes is extremely important for letting the eye muscles relax. You
should blink for 15 to 20 minutes every day.
4)
Palming: Rub your hands together and lightly
place your palms over your eyes in such a manner that your eyes are entirely
covered under your palms. It is performed to reduce the stress of eye muscles.
5)
Eyeball Rotations: Rotate your eyeballs
in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. This exercise helps to stretch the
eye muscles and strengthen them.