Bhubaneswar: Refractive errors and computer vision syndrome are increasingly emerging as eye-health concerns among young people, with prolonged screen exposure, poor visual habits and neglect of early symptoms contributing to the problem, AIIMS Bhubaneswar executive director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas has said.
Emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, Dr. Biswas said several eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, could lead to severe visual impairment or blindness if left undiagnosed or inadequately treated.
However, many cases of vision loss could be prevented or effectively managed through timely medical intervention and appropriate eye care.
The department of ophthalmology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar attends to around 230–250 patients daily, with a reported monthly patient footfall of approximately 5,000–6,000, reflecting the continuing need for accessible and affordable eye-care services.
Refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and computer vision syndrome are among the common eye conditions encountered at the institute, Dr. Biswas said.
To underline the importance of eye health and promote universal access to quality eye-care services, the department of ophthalmology organised a series of awareness and community-oriented activities to mark World Sight Day on October 8.
Addressing the programme, Dr. Biswas drew attention to the growing vulnerability of young people to refractive errors and screen-related eye problems.
Prolonged use of digital devices, inadequate visual hygiene and failure to seek medical advice when symptoms first appear can adversely affect eye health, he cautioned.
He urged young people to adopt healthy visual habits, take regular breaks during extended screen use, undergo periodic eye examinations and consult an ophthalmologist whenever they experience vision-related difficulties.
The awareness campaign also highlighted the need to move beyond treating eye diseases and focus on preventive care.
Regular screening, timely consultation and greater public awareness can play a crucial role in identifying eye conditions at an early stage and reducing the risk of avoidable vision loss.
The programme sought to reinforce the message of World Sight Day — “Love Your Eyes” — while calling for eye-care services that are accessible, available and affordable to everyone, irrespective of their location or economic circumstances.
Among those present were AIIMS Bhubaneswar dean Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida, medical superintendent Dr. Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy, deputy director (administration) Lt. Col. Abhijit Sarkar, head of the Department of Ophthalmology Dr. Sucheta Parija, and doctors Dr. Sandip Sahu, Dr. Priyadarsini Mishra, Dr. Bijnya B. Panda and Dr. Bruttendu Moharana.
