Computer vision syndrome - An article with random occurrings and mood swings!

Had a fun yet tiring, weekend-occupying eye camp followed by a hectic Sunday at work so decided to take a day off on Monday.

(J.K ROWLING WAS HERE IN MY TOWN THAT TIME, BUT I MISSED HER COZ I WAS BUSY WITH EYE CAMP OUTSIDE VALLEY! I think i will regret this decision at some point of my life.)

My sleepy eyes and rusted body was screaming for rest. But when you become a part of an institute where you were a student once, you never get time for yourself. Probably this is what growing up is; work 24-7 with no time for your mental peace. I am not liking it though. Even on my leave-day, i was called at home, in between my precious sleep to write an article for a yearly magazine that my hospital publishes every year. I was suppose to write it in plain english without including medical terminologies so general people can get the message. So admist the painful joints and gnawing headaches, i compiled a ridiculously simple yet useful article on computer vision syndrome. Hope you like it.

I MISSED ROWLING!! Imagine.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computers, mobiles, tablets are not luxuries anymore but a ‘new essential’ in our life. We use it daily; either for work or for fun. Net surfing and being in touch with friends and families through social media is currently a life style of this tech savvy generation. And majority of us who use these technology have experienced symptoms like strained eyes, headaches, neck aches, backaches, blurred vision, difficulty in changing focus between near and far objects, sensitivity to light and burning sensation of eyes at one time or another.

What are these symptoms called?

Its called computer vision syndrome - a common affliction of eyes for using excessive technology while trying to catch up with this digital age.

Will i suffer from this condition?

If you use computers for more than 3-4 hours then it can happen to you as well. No age is safe. Anyone can have computer vision syndrome.

Any remedies?

Of course! Though temporary these symptoms can be a nuisance at work but they can be prevented and reduced by following few easy rules.

  

  A)  Don’t forget to blink : Normally human blinks around 15 times per minute. But studies show that while reading or gazing an object with great attentiveness, it can decrease up to 3 times per minute. So don't forget to blink because blinking redistributes your tear film over your eyes and help reduce the eye strain and symptoms of dry eye like burning sensation.

  B)  Where is your screen : Distance between the screen and your eyes should be around 20-28 inches and it should be 4-6 inches below your eye level. Make sure the downward viewing angle is greater than 60 degrees.

  C)  Your posture matters : Your head and neck should be upright in line with your torso. Not tilted or bent. Keep your mouse aligned with the keyboard and try to maintain a straight non-fidgety posture. Your upper arms should be perpendicular to the floor and your forearm ninety degrees to your upper arm. Similarly your thighs should be parallel to the floor and your legs perpendicular to the floor. Rest your hands and wrist properly.

  D)  Right light : Good light means less eye strain. Don’t use bright overhead light or light in front or light behind you. Rather opt for a side light and position your screen in such a way that reflections are reduced. Glare filter for your computer screen is an alternative.

  E)  What are you looking at : Make sure the size of the letters of your computer document is easily visible and manage the brightness and contrast. Using gradient color in parts of your text improves your reading ability. Clear document means less stress to your eyes.

  F)  20-20-20 Rule : Every 20 minutes of computer use, rest your eyes for 20 seconds by looking at objects more than 20 feet away. And after 2 hours of continuous use, rest your eyes for 15 minutes.

  G) Get your eyes checked : In case of vision problems, focusing problems and eye movement co-ordination problems none of the above rules help until and unless they are taken care of. So visit your doctor.

Be vigilant, take care of your eyes because prevention is always better.

(Well Rowling said - It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. So probably i was doing the best thing for myself - living an adventurous and satisfying life. Next time J.K, I ll surely meet you :) 

Pondering!!!

                                                      Pondered for a long time

                                                      - What exactly is life

                                                         And realized ......

                                                         It was just the passing moment

                                                         You spend pondering!!!

                                             

                                            

Nineteen minutes - Jodi Picoult

"In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can order a pizza and get delivered. You can read a story to a child or have your oil changed. You can walk a mile. You can sew a hem. In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world, or you can just jump off it. In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge."

If these words don't catch your attention then god knows what will. Recommended by a book club fellow- as her best book by Jodi Picoult, it was one of my most searched book. Similar to my last read by the writer (My sister's keeper), I was so engrossed in the story and the resonance of thoughts afterwards - it took me ages to pen down my review. The plot is completely different from the famous "My Sister's Keeper" but the writing style screams "Picoult" through and through. 

"When you begin a journey of revenge start by digging two graves
One for your enemy, and one for yourself" - Chinese Proverb

A disaster strikes in Sterling High, New Hampshire - a rare, blood curdling school shoot out resulting in death of 10 students and injuring many. Patrick, a detective, discovers the many victims of the massacre along with 17 year old high school student Peter Houghton- the suspected killer. Josie Cormier, a school student, is an important witness but she couldn't remember the last minute details. She is also a daughter of judge Alex Cormier who is torn between either being part of the biggest case of her career or supporting her daughter in this fragile state. Finally she gives up the case to support her daughter. 

As the story unfolds; Peter, a computer enthusiast, is recognized as a victim of severe bullying through out his school life. Josie was his only best friend but she succumbs to peer pressure and leaves him to hang out with the cool gang who bullies Peter and weak students like him. But Peter is loyal to Josie and when he finds out Matt Royson, (Josie's boyfriend and major jock) harasses Josie verbally and physically, he sends Josie a propose email. But the mail is intercepted by Josie's 'cool gang' friend Courtney. 

That mail becomes another reason of his humiliation in front of all the students in the school cafeteria. That acts as a final trigger factor of the massacre . The prosecution is carried out, many faults of school authorities and parents are bought to attention. Finally Josie remembers the missing pieces of the story and judgement is done. Or is it?

I loved the way how different characters had their say in the story. Its painful to hear Lacy Houghton's (Peter's mother) thoughts. No mother gives birth to a murderer. It hurts... really. But I missed the thoughts of Peter himself. The story would have more gravitas if some parts of the story like the main event itself was written in Peter's point of view (the pain, the angst, the deep exasperation he felt that forced him to vex his anger by stealing someone's life). 


The plot haunts you deeply, provoking questions with no easy answers. There is no pure white or black. Bullying and the mental/physical stress endured by its sufferers is a common yet less talked about subject. Jodi Picoult has given a brilliant account of its effects without being judgmental and leaving the readers to make their own opinion on this topic.

A good read. Happy reading.