Prolonged screen time not good for eye health
Too much exposure to screens such as the TV or phone equally have a negative effect on one’s eyesight as overexposure to the sun
The caution not to look directly at the sun has been passed from generation to generation by parents or guardians to children to avoid overexposure to sunlight that may cause blindness.
The same lessons still hold truth today, and equally extends to overexposure to light rays emitted by cellphones or TVs. Eye Care Awareness Month is commemorated from September 23 to October 18.
The City of Ekurhuleni manager for noncommunicable diseases, Angie Ndhambi, cautioned that too much exposure to screens such as the TV or phone equally have a negative effect on one’s eyesight as overexposure to the sun.
“People spend a considerable amount of time working on computers, watching TV or on their phones. “Looking at a bright screen for a long time tends to dry and strain the eyes leading to redness and this pattern ultimately causes prolonged eye problems that may lead to blindness,” said Ndambi.
Ndambi said a comprehensive eye examination is very important as it not only determines one’s need for spectacles but can also dictate the presence of eye disease, and if detected early and treated it might save one from blindness.
Residents can go to the following clinics for free comprehensive eye care services:
• Slovo Park on Monday
• Duduza Clinic on Tuesday
• Payneville Clinic on Tuesday Eye care services are the competency of the Gauteng Health
