Computer Vision Syndrome is now a common eye condition caused by prolonged usage of mobile phones, tablets and computers.

As a result of focussing on the screens for a long time, the eyes gets dry,  irritated and red. One may also experience blurred vision, double vision, eye strain and headaches.

It is advisable to take a break from the use of computers or other digital devices perhaps after one hour. One can also adjust their screen settings and room lighting to be more comfortable.

Moisturising eye drops used  three or four times in a day as well as blinking more often helps with the dryness and irritation.

Use of Blue-Block lenses and anti-glare filters in the spectacles is advisable.

Kenya’s Traffic Act (revised in 2012) requires that every driver of a public service or commercial vehicle be physically fit (including eyesight and hearing ability) before the license is renewed. Having a mandatory medical assessment before the renewal of a driving license (every 3 years) will also be in line with Kenya’s new health policy framework (2014–2030)

Vision is one of the most important sources of information to ensure safe driving. It is important to have good visual acuity and to be able to judge distances so drivers can react appropriately. Applicants should meet the following criteria in order to be certified fit to drive (with spectacles or available correction).

Allergic conjunctivitis usually happens when a person’s eyes come into contact with an allergen, a substance that makes the body’s immune system overreact. Common allergens include: Dust, pollen, animal dander, and even some medication. When exposed to these allergens, the eyes become red, watery, itchy or swollen. Treatment is by avoiding allergens as well as use of medications prescribed by the Ophthalmologist.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 40. Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage.

Because vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be recovered, it’s important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure and examination of your optic nerve.

Cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the expression on a friend’s face.

Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision. When impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, you might need cataract surgery. Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure.

People with diabetes can have an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. This is when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina

At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. Eventually, it can cause blindness.
The condition can develop in anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop this eye complication.

Careful management of your diabetes is the best way to prevent vision loss. If you have diabetes, see your eye doctor for a yearly eye exam with dilation. Contact your eye doctor right away if your vision changes suddenly or becomes blurry, spotty or hazy.