India is an important site to conduct clinical trials for computer vision syndrome (CVS). The uninterrupted use of computers, laptops, tablets, smart-phones, and e:Readers, along with television viewing results in a growing incidence of digital eye strain, said Dr. Raghu Nagaraju, consultant, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and one of the principal clinical investigators from India.
 
Many of the CVS patients are in the age-group of 20-30 years and the severity of this condition is reported among the 30 to 40 year olds too. It is also seen to add to cases diagnosed of age-related macular degeneration, (ARMD) which impacts 20 per cent of  50 age-group in India. Although CVS and AMRD is higher in the developed countries, in India it is seen to impact the younger people, because they work in the software industry. Particularly Bengaluru being the IT capital of India, the incidence of CVS is between 20 to 30 per cent coming into the out-patient departments compared to other ophthalmic diseases and disorders, he added.
 
On an average the entire time spent on the computer is 8 to 10 hours. In addition to this, use of mobile phones and television viewing add to the eye strain taking the total time spent on these electronic and digital gadgets to 10-12 hours a day. This is almost equal to half-a-day of their time spent viewing these devices. So it is not just eye related issues but their entire body system is affected. The sedentary lifestyle leads to disorders like diabetes, cervical spondylitis and disc prolapses. All these enhance the burden of digital eye strain, Dr. Nagaraju told Pharmabiz.
 
Besides varied treatment options, Dr. Nagaraju sees the need for an awareness on computer usage and posture of the person. These include adopting blink rate by adhering to the Rule of 20:20:20 for all computer users which mandates every 20 minutes to focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Moreover office work need to be restricted to 8-10 hours with a compulsory break from the screen every two hours, use of anti glare glasses, view computer monitor 20 feet away and ensure screen brightness and over lighting in the office.
 
There are several advances in medication like carboxy methyl cellulose and cylosporin. This apart, there are newer medication on the anvil and this is where the international pharma companies have identified India for clinical trials for the CVS drugs, he said.