by Ethan Nepomuceno & Qyle Comia
In accordance with the celebration of Sight-Saving Month, the First Aid Unit, headed by Mrs. Marijoe Manalastas-Caparas and Mrs. Ardelyn Collado, collaborated with the doctors of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO) to prepare a seminar about digital eye strain. This timely seminar was held through Facebook Live on the 27th of August.
Dr. Nida H. Garcia, the Vice Principal of the Preschool Department, remarked that “Life is beautiful, yet you must use your eyes and keep them healthy,” in formally opening the event.
Dr. Vivencio Maynigo, a Doctor in Optometry at Lyceum and the current Vice President of IPAO – Qatar Chapter, introduced the science behind Digital Eye Strain (DES) and its symptoms. He stated that “prevention is the main strategy for DES management. Parents, teachers, and eye care providers should be aware of the public concern.”
Moreover, Dr. Sherwin Paul Reyes, a current Staff Optometrist in the Cleveland Clinics Abu Dhabi and the founding member of United Filipino Optometrists of UAE, talked about the optical effects of digital devices, discussing that poor posture and dry eyes can cause eye strain. He then gave a revised version of the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink 20 times every 20 minutes.
The current Branch Manager of East Optics, Optometrist Mary Anne Dayok, opened her talk about the blue light, exploring how too much of this artificial light in the evening can change our biological clock. She spoke about its pros, cons, and how blue light-blocking lenses can help.
Engr. Jefferson Vismonte, the VP of the Human Resources Department, finally expressed gratitude to the guest speakers and commented on the importance of the eyes, stating, “our eyes are placed in front because it is more important to look ahead than to look back”.
Additionally, Nurse Marijoe Caparas, the First Aid Unit Head assured that the FAU department encourages a healthy lifestyle and is concerned about the PSDians’ well-being. They planned a variety of events for this school year, including the water bell program, especially for the face-to-face sessions.
Nurse Caparas also conveyed that “as the pandemic is still present, we are forced to have online classes, which, in the long run, will have negative effects on our eyes. Through the EYE Love You seminar, the PSDians became aware of the harmful effects of digital devices and were able to know ways to prevent it”. Indeed, this seminar serves as a reminder to all PSDians to be mindful and responsible in cherishing one’s vision.