Is the IT industry ignoring a silent epidemic of eye conditions?

42-year-old Sunil, (name changed) who works in an information technology (IT) company, was having blurry vision for some time. Living with a family of 4, he was already stressed out due to the pressures of balancing his work and personal life. His job requires him to monitor his screen for long durations. Thereby, a blurry vision could seriously hamper his work performance, which in turn can also affect how he supports his family. What Sunil didn’t realize that he was suffering from an eye condition called Central serous retinopathy (CSR). And Sunil is not the only one who suffers from this condition. As per our experience we have noticed several IT professionals reporting this condition regularly.

CSR and its impact on IT professionals

CSR is emerging as a growing concern among working professionals, especially for those working in the IT sector. A central grey or dark patch in one's field of vision, blurred vision and altered perception are common symptoms of this retinal disorder. It is often marked by the build-up of fluid beneath the retina. Although CSR can impact anybody, there is a clear trend among IT workers, primarily because of their extremely demanding jobs, extended screen time, and bad ergonomic practices.

Long work hours, a competitive atmosphere and unrelenting deadlines are all hallmarks of the IT sector. These factors often raise stress levels and prolonged stress is one of the major risk factors that can lead to CSR. High cortisol levels can lead to the impairment of the retinal pigment epithelium, thereby increasing its vulnerability to fluid leakage. IT workers are frequently engaged in activities that need extended visual focus. This can include activities such as data processing, coding and system troubleshooting, which in turn puts additional strain on the eyes. Continuous screen time can also lead to fatigue, dry eye syndrome, and digital eye strain.

Several doctors and ophthalmologists have reported a growing number of IT professionals seeking treatment for vision-related problems. These issues are being reported due to prolonged, uncontrolled screen time and poor eye care. Cases of progressive myopia, chronic digital eye strain, eye twitching (myokymia) and even migraine-associated vision disturbances have become more prevalent. Moreover, although the precise causes of this gender gap are still being studied, men seem to be more vulnerable to CSR than women. Both acute and chronic versions of the illness might exist, with the latter exhibiting a protracted accumulation of subretinal fluid that, if not addressed, can result in permanent visual impairment.

Precautions

To reduce the risk of contracting CSR, especially among IT workers, preventive measures need to be taken. It has been demonstrated that stress-reduction methods including yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises dramatically reduce cortisol levels, which in turn lowers the risk of CSR. Additionally, strain can be reduced and general visual well-being can be enhanced by adhering to the 20-20-20 rule, which calls for taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to gaze at an item 20 feet away. Ocular stress can also be reduced by making ergonomic workplace modifications, such as positioning the monitors correctly, ensuring ideal lighting, and maintaining optimum seated posture.

Risk of CSR is further affected by certain lifestyle choices. Smoking and inappropriate steroid usage are two major factors that have been recognised to exacerbate this condition. Retinal health can be preserved by abstaining from tobacco use and making sure that drugs, especially corticosteroids, are only taken under medical advice. Regular eye examinations are equally vital, as early detection allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing the progression of the condition. There are several treatment options available for management of CSR. This includes laser therapy and eye injections that are intended to lessen fluid build-up and improve vision. However, the success of these interventions largely depends on when the diagnosis is made and the treatment procedures begin. CSR may resolve on its own in certain situations, but to avoid irreversible retinal damage, it is essential to treat it as soon as possible.

Other solutions

CSR is often under reported and individuals could be suffering from this condition without their knowledge as well. To reduce the risk of contracting this condition, it is thereby important for them to prioritise routine eye exams. Apart from this, one can change their screen exposure habits and implement stress management practices in their lives. This will in turn ensure a healthy work environment and timely intervention in case of any early symptoms of this condition.

Dr. Mounika Bolisetty, Ophthalmologist, NIO Super Specialty Hospital, Pune