•Dr Priscilia Imade
Happy new month to all our readers. This month will be focused on how to protect your eyes from screens. Follow the series weekly.
In today’s world, screens are everywhere, from your smartphones, computers, tablets, televisions to various digital devices. You use them for work, school, business and entertainment.
While technology has made life easier, excessive screen use is quietly becoming a serious threat to your eye health. There is a report endorsed by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) that by 2050 half of the world will be myopic and this is strongly linked to prolonged screen time amongst other reasons.
Some of the dangers of screens to our eyes include:
1. DIGITAL EYE STRAIN
One of the most common problems caused by screens is digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. This happens when you stare at screens for long periods without breaks. Symptoms include tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, burning sensation, difficulty focusing, head and neck pain.
2. DRY EYE DISEASE
Another major danger is dry eye disease. When using screens, people blink up to 50% less than normal. Blinking is necessary to spread tears over the eyes. Reduced blinking leads to dryness, irritation and redness.
3.EFFECT ON SLEEP
Screens also affect sleep quality. The blue light emitted from phones and computers interferes with melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. This leads to poor sleep, eye fatigue and reduced concentration the next day.
4. EFFECT ON CHILDREN
Children are especially at risk. Excessive screen time has been linked to increasing rates of short-sightedness (myopia). The myopia epidemic has been linked to prolonged screen time. Many children now need glasses at a very early age due to prolonged near work on digital devices.
5. UNDERLYING EYE PROBLEMS
Prolonged screen use can also mask underlying eye problems such as uncorrected refractive errors, early presbyopia, and dry eye syndrome. People often blame the screen when the real problem is an undiagnosed eye condition.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EYES
1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
2. Blink consciously and frequently.
3. Maintain proper screen distance (about arm’s length).
4. Reduce screen brightness and glare.
5. Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime.
6. Have regular comprehensive eye examinations.
Screens are not evil or bad in themselves but poor screen habits are dangerous. Your eyes were not designed for endless hours of close-up digital work. Protecting your vision today will preserve your sight for the future.
The next form of avoidable blindness will be linked to screens. Get your eyes protected now so you will not be counted amongst that statistics. See you you next week.
WE ARE SAVING SIGHTS AND CHANGING LIVES.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
