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Rachel V Thomas

Can 'Eye Strain' Lead To Brain Cancer? Experts Explain

Ten-year-old Myla from the UK's North Yorkshire, with severe eye strain, was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor that led to her death.

The young girl had been suffering from headaches and dizziness, which were dismissed as mere eye strain due to playing on her iPad too much.

Thinking that she needed eyeglasses, her parents took her for an eye appointment, where she was diagnosed with an aggressive diffuse midline glioma — a type of brain tumor.

Myla was diagnosed with a 7-10cm tumor and was rushed to Sheffield Children's Hospital for an operation to remove 60 per cent of the mass. The youngster underwent a grueling 30 rounds of radiotherapy but tragically passed away on January 15, The Mirror.co.uk reported.

<h2>Can Eye Strains Lead To Brain Tumors?</h2>

Healthandme spoke to health experts to understand the role of eye strain and brain tumors.

The health experts noted that although prolonged exposure to digital screens can raise the risk of vision problems, they cannot cause brain tumors.

"Eye strain is most commonly linked to prolonged screen use, poor ergonomics, or uncorrected vision, and in the vast majority of cases, it is not a sign of brain cancer," Dr. Parul Maheshwari Sharma, Ophthalmologist and Principal Director &amp; HOD - at Fortis Gurugram, told HealthandMe.

"The likelihood of experiencing eye strain being an indication of brain cancer is minimal," added Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman &amp; Medical Director, Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals.

The doctors explained that brain tumors are rarely present as simple eye strain; they are usually associated with additional symptoms such as:

<ul><li>persistent headaches, </li><li>double vision, </li><li>vision loss, </li><li>vomiting, </li><li>neurological deficits. </li><li>convulsions, </li><li>vision changes.</li></ul>Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/volleyball-accident-leaves-a-woman-with-rare-condition-of-multiplying-tumors-article-153887381" data-type="tilCustomLink">Volleyball Accident Leaves A Woman With Rare Condition Of Multiplying Tumors</a>

Eye strain, also referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is caused by staring at screens for extended periods of time and decreased blinking.

It generally occurs due to benign factors such as excessive screen time, dry eye, or uncorrected vision.

While prolonged screen use can cause discomfort, dry eyes, and temporary blurred vision, it does not lead to the development of cancer.

"There is no evidence to suggest that screen-induced eye strain can cause brain tumors," Dr Sharma said.

"Although there may be visual changes due to a tumor that involves the optic nerve or hypothalamus, simple eye strain is not indicative of brain tumors and would not be considered an early warning of a brain tumor. There is an extremely low probability that eye strain will be due to a brain tumor," Dr. Sachdev told HealthandMe.

However, the experts agreed that long screen time can lead to severe eye strain.

<h2>Red Flags One Should Not Ignore For Brain Tumors</h2>

Brain tumors are generally attributed to genetics, exposure to radiation, or other unknown factors.

Numerous types of red flags could indicate the presence of a serious neurological disorder. Some examples include 

<ul><li>chronic or worsening headaches, especially if severe in the morning,</li><li>recurrent unexplained vomiting, </li><li>seizure activity,</li><li>sudden changes in vision, such as double vision or complete loss of vision, </li><li>trouble speaking clearly, </li><li>weakness in the arms or legs, </li><li>drastic personality changes.</li></ul>If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical evaluation immediately, the experts said.

<ul><li>those with a history of radiation exposure to the brain, </li><li>specific genetic conditions, </li><li>those with a family history of brain cancer.</li></ul>Despite these risk factors, brain cancers are quite uncommon, and most headache and/or eye symptoms can be attributed to benign conditions.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/12-year-old-teen-dies-from-rare-brain-tumor-after-unusual-early-signs-grieving-mother-urges-parents-to-watch-for-subtle-symptoms-article-152319403" data-type="tilCustomLink">12-Year-Old Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Early Signs, Grieving Mother Urges Parents To Watch For Subtle Symptoms</a>

To help combat eye fatigue, individuals can adopt some simple habits, such as

<ul><li>Following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. </li><li>Place your computer monitor at or below eye level and keep a comfortable distance from the computer. </li><li>Adjust your screen brightness and contrast to comfortable levels and use adequate room lighting. </li><li>Remember to blink often or use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. </li><li>Take screen breaks, limit the duration of time you are using your computer, or limit the continuous use of your computer.</li><li>Make sure you are using the correct prescription glasses and consider using an anti-glare screen, which can also help relieve discomfort and protect your eyes from long-term effects.</li></ul>

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Ten-year-old Myla from the UK's North Yorkshire, with severe eye strain, was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor that led to her death.The young girl had been suffering from headaches and dizziness, which were dismissed as mere eye strain due to playing on her iPad too much.Thinking that she needed eyeglasses, her parents took her for an eye appointment, where she was diagnosed with an aggressive diffuse midline glioma — a type of brain tumor.Myla was diagnosed with a 7-10cm tumor and was rushed to Sheffield Children's Hospital for an operation to remove 60 per cent of the mass. The youngster underwent a grueling 30 rounds of radiotherapy but tragically passed away on January 15, The Mirror.co.uk reported.Can Eye Strains Lead To Brain Tumors? Healthandme spoke to health experts to understand the role of eye strain and brain tumors.The health experts noted that although prolonged exposure to digital screens can raise the risk of vision problems, they cannot cause brain tumors."Eye strain is most commonly linked to prolonged screen use, poor ergonomics, or uncorrected vision, and in the vast majority of cases, it is not a sign of brain cancer," Dr. Parul Maheshwari Sharma, Ophthalmologist and Principal Director & HOD - at Fortis Gurugram, told HealthandMe."The likelihood of experiencing eye strain being an indication of brain cancer is minimal," added Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director, Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals.The doctors explained that brain tumors are rarely present as simple eye strain; they are usually associated with additional symptoms such as:persistent headaches, double vision, vision loss, vomiting, neurological deficits. convulsions, vision changes.Also read: Volleyball Accident Leaves A Woman With Rare Condition Of Multiplying TumorsWhat Is Eye Strain?Eye strain, also referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is caused by staring at screens for extended periods of time and decreased blinking. It generally occurs due to benign factors such as excessive screen time, dry eye, or uncorrected vision.While prolonged screen use can cause discomfort, dry eyes, and temporary blurred vision, it does not lead to the development of cancer. "There is no evidence to suggest that screen-induced eye strain can cause brain tumors," Dr Sharma said."Although there may be visual changes due to a tumor that involves the optic nerve or hypothalamus, simple eye strain is not indicative of brain tumors and would not be considered an early warning of a brain tumor. There is an extremely low probability that eye strain will be due to a brain tumor," Dr. Sachdev told HealthandMe.However, the experts agreed that long screen time can lead to severe eye strain. Red Flags One Should Not Ignore For Brain TumorsBrain tumors are generally attributed to genetics, exposure to radiation, or other unknown factors.Numerous types of red flags could indicate the presence of a serious neurological disorder. Some examples include chronic or worsening headaches, especially if severe in the morning,recurrent unexplained vomiting, seizure activity,sudden changes in vision, such as double vision or complete loss of vision, trouble speaking clearly, weakness in the arms or legs, drastic personality changes.If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical evaluation immediately, the experts said. Higher-risk patients include:those with a history of radiation exposure to the brain, specific genetic conditions, those with a family history of brain cancer.Despite these risk factors, brain cancers are quite uncommon, and most headache and/or eye symptoms can be attributed to benign conditions.Also read: 12-Year-Old Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Early Signs, Grieving Mother Urges Parents To Watch For Subtle SymptomsSteps to Reduce Eye Strain To help combat eye fatigue, individuals can adopt some simple habits, such as Following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Place your computer monitor at or below eye level and keep a comfortable distance from the computer. Adjust your screen brightness and contrast to comfortable levels and use adequate room lighting. Remember to blink often or use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. Take screen breaks, limit the duration of time you are using your computer, or limit the continuous use of your computer.Make sure you are using the correct prescription glasses and consider using an anti-glare screen, which can also help relieve discomfort and protect your eyes from long-term effects.

can 'eye strain' lead to brain cancer? experts explain

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