MUMBAI: Digital eye strain affects people of all age groups, especially in an era where the use of smartphones, home projectors, televisions, laptops and computers is at an all-time high. With movies and web series widely available on OTT platforms and gaming gaining traction among young audiences, many spend extended hours in front of home entertainment devices.
On World Health Day (April 7), which serves as a reminder to prioritise one’s health and well-being, experts warn that prolonged exposure to digital screens can cause temporary vision blurring, eye discomfort, and dryness. This strain is similar to that caused by extended close-up tasks like reading or sewing, which can lead to visual fatigue. They also say that excessive screen time may have long-term effects when watching content on devices like traditional LED and LCD television screens. These displays emit high levels of blue light and flicker, contributing to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep.
“Traditional LED and LCD screens rely on pulse-width modulation (PWM) for brightness control, causing flickering that strains the eyes during prolonged use. Additionally, these screens emit direct light, which can be harsh and tiring. In this context, advanced devices like laser-powered Ultra-Short-Throw (UST) projectors provide a healthier viewing alternative. With low blue light emission and flicker-free visuals, they offer a more comfortable experience for extended use. Laser projection also reflects light off the screen, creating a natural viewing experience that reduces glare and strain. Watching content on a projection device is extremely safe for the eyes since, instead of looking directly at a light source, you are viewing the reflected light,” says Sushil Motwani, Founder of Aytexcel Pvt. Ltd, the official representative of Formovie projectors in India.
He says that today’s generation spends prolonged hours in front of gadgets, consuming content from around the world, whether it is movies, live sports events, or graphics-rich video games. “Recognising this, UST projector manufacturers are integrating the latest display technologies to reduce eye strain and fatigue, making these projectors ideal for health-conscious consumers. The best example is the Advanced Laser Phosphor Display (ALPD®) technology used in Formovie projectors. It offers exceptional visual quality by using laser-excited fluorescent materials and mixed multi-colour laser lines for image display, unlike traditional devices that rely on HID lamps and high-brightness bulbs,” adds Motwani.
Laser projection diffuses light off the screen, creating a more comfortable viewing experience with reduced glare. “This helps preserve eye health over time, making laser projectors a smart choice for vision-friendly home entertainment,” he concludes.