Students prepare for CBSE board exams, learn to keep vision safe
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 questions on eye issues asked by students and parents in a web seminar on Wednesday.
Anika Sharma: Why do students complain of blurred vision during examination despite not having myopia?
Dr 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.
Deepak Dadhich: How serious is pseudomyopia?
Dr 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.
Kanika Sidhwani: Can pseudomyopia affect academic results?
Dr 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.
Meena Hinduka: Please suggest some exercises that can help students in keeping their eyes relaxed during and after examinations:
Dr Solanki: Students should follow 20-20-20 rule, vision exercises, frequently blinking eyes and rotations.
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 questions on eye issues asked by students and parents in a web seminar on Wednesday.
Anika Sharma: Why do students complain of blurred vision during examination despite not having myopia?
Dr 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.
Deepak Dadhich: How serious is pseudomyopia?
Dr 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.
Kanika Sidhwani: Can pseudomyopia affect academic results?
Dr 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.
Meena Hinduka: Please suggest some exercises that can help students in keeping their eyes relaxed during and after examinations:
Dr Solanki: Students should follow 20-20-20 rule, vision exercises, frequently blinking eyes and rotations.