Access to Divergence when Convergence is the only Choice
The pandemic and lockdown have had several consequences to health, wealth and the definition of Normal. In the new Normal that is getting defined, we are unraveling several new effects of the requirement to confine ourselves to closed spaces.
How has the New Normal changed our behaviors?
From a wealth standpoint, reduction in salaries, job losses, change in employment happen along with the burden of loans, rent and other financial obligations. The concept of work is now transforming and companies are redefining the way they employ people and the way they conduct business. Work from Home (WFH) is becoming part of the New Normal and some companies are planning to have 30% or more of their workforce WFH on a permanent basis.
Schools and Colleges have started a digital transformation to move their classes online both from a short term and a long term point of view. The Government for its part is also encouraging the academic sector to embrace the New Normal and has contributed resources to make this a reality.
With malls, cinema halls, fairs and other forms of entertainment remaining out of reach, digital entertainment has become a mainstay. Whether it is on the phone or other device, digital entertainment has exploded in its use. Internet Service Providers have also accelerated the deployment of high speed Internet through various technologies such as FTTH and 4G to facilitate this New Normal.
What is the effect of the New Normal on our Eye Health?
All of these behavioral changes that are becoming part of our lives has a profound effect on our Vision Sense. Out of our major senses, the Vision Sense has about an 80% effect on our perceptions and behaviors. The New Normal has a direct relation to our Vision Sense and hence a significant impact on the sense organ, namely the Eye.
Whether it is WFH, Online Education or entertainment, we depend heavily on the use of our Eyes to perform our everyday tasks. In a previous article we talked about how we can take some simple steps to protect our eyes from strain. Here we talk about the effect of extended restriction of Vision to a closed space of the Home Environment.
For most of us, the old normal was to have some sort of vision exposure outside the home. If it was in an office, it was a larger space with opportunity to use the eyes to see beyond 10 or 12 feet. This longer range vision is called Divergence. In a meeting room or at the cubicle, our vision experiences a close range view which is causes Convergence. In most cases we experience a mix of Convergence and Divergence which helps our Eyes stay healthy and balanced.
In the New Normal, this balance is disturbed. In a typical home, rooms seldom allow vision range to exceed 10 feet. This extended close range vision causes an excess of Convergence and little to no Divergence. This can cause harm to our vision in the long run.
What do we Do about this Divergence Deficiency?
In order to compensate for the reduced opportunity for divergence vision, we can do the following:
1. Take a Walk: If you live in an apartment complex or a gated community, it is likely you have space around the compound where you can take a walk. If it is safe to do so in your compound, taking brief walks throughout the day will allow you to exercise divergence. However, remember not to overcrowd in a location and maintain safe social distancing along with wearing a mask.
2. Terrace to the Rescue: Your terrace is another spot where you can spend short periods of time to help exercise divergence. Again, remember to maintain safe social distancing, wear a mask and avoid crowding.
3. Home Exercises: The above two options are possible only for a few people. Even for those people who can do this, it is not practical to spend extended periods in these activities. There are home exercise options available that can help compensate for the divergence deficiency. However, these should be done in consultation with an Optometrist who is trained in Vision Therapy.
Although Divergence Deficiency is a cause for concern, there are solutions available to counter this issue. If you would like a consultation with our Optometrist to discuss this or any other vision related issue, please get in touch with us.
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Email: contact@divinemyndz.in
