No, smartphone vision syndrome does not cause permanent vision loss?

Hyderabad: A post claiming that a Hyderabad woman lost her eyesight due to excessive use of smartphone in the dark has gone viral on social media. According to the post, she was suffering from smartphone vision syndrome.

Recently, media reports about a 30-year-old Hyderabad woman who almost lost her eyesight due to prolonged use of smartphone in the dark have given rise to a lot of questions about the downside of technology. Hyderabad-based doctor, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, through Twitter revealed how the 30-year-old woman was suffering from smartphone vision syndrome (SVS), which can lead to eye-related problems including blindness.

We all know that increased screen time can cause vision and health problems. However, it is practically impossible nowadays for many people to stay away from their phones and computers throughout the day.

In this fact-check article, we decode what is smartphone vision syndrome and if the vision loss is permanent.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the Instagram post about a Hyderabadi woman losing her eyesight due to smartphone vision syndrome (SVS) is misleading as the vision loss due to SVS is temporary.

First, we carefully analysed the report about the Hyderabadi woman who lost her vision and found that the report states she “almost lost her eyesight” which indicates that the vision loss was temporary.

Moreover, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, in his Twitter thread, mentioned that after reducing screen time and using medication for a month, the woman, Manju, was absolutely fine. Her vision impairment of 18 months was cured and now, she has normal eyesight.

NewsMeter contacted Dr. Armana Saher, medical and clinical head at Udai Hospital, to clarify the claim. He said, “That’s true! People these days are losing their vision temporarily after using cell phones at night for a longer duration. It’s called Digital Eye strain (DES). The good news is it’s not permanent at all. Blue rays are the main cause of vision disturbance by using a cell phone. Once you are off the cell phone, your eyesight will be back. Certain eye strains should be avoided after the vision returns to normal. The worst condition will be dry eyes and myopia (which is irreversible).”

What can we do to avoid the syndrome?

· Look away from the screen every 20 minutes.

· Focus on an object at least 20 feet away.

This rule is called 20-20-20.