How can we protect our eyes from 'digital eye strain' in a digital society?
There must be many people who constantly look at smartphone or PC screens in their daily lives, work, and hobbies. One thing that such people tend to suffer from is 'digital eye strain.' Daniela Oling, who is researching eye diseases at the University of Plymouth in the UK, explains the symptoms of digital eye strain and how to protect yourself from it.
How to protect your eyes in the digital age – expert in eye and vision science
A 2018 paper found that more than 50% of computer users suffer from a variety of eye and vision symptoms, leading to the nickname 'computer vision syndrome.' Symptoms include dry, watery, itchy, burning eyes, blurred vision, and even double vision, and are considered more than just a problem of eye discomfort; they are considered a chronic issue that can have a significant impact on quality of life and productivity.
Trends in digital eye strain have been shown to have worsened significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 study conducted an online survey that analyzed 941 responses from 688 online students, 45 online teachers, and 208 members of the general population. As a result, the prevalence of digital eye strain was 50.6% in students taking online classes and 33.2% in the general population, with a large gap between the two. In addition, there are warnings that digital eye strain will worsen due to the large increase in screen time caused by the pandemic.
According to Oling, the cause of digital eye strain is, first of all, a decrease in the 'number of blinks' when focusing on a display. In addition, the eyes become tired from maintaining focus on nearby objects for a long time, causing a series of eye problems, from mild irritation to chronic dryness. The symptoms of digital eye strain are often insidious and range from obvious symptoms such as eye fatigue and blurred vision to symptoms that are far removed from the eyes, such as headaches and neck pain.
The 'blue light' emitted by displays is often cited as a cause of digital eye strain. However, according to Oling, although blue light can cause eye fatigue and disrupt sleep patterns, it is not the main cause of digital eye strain that causes permanent eye damage. The definitive causes of digital eye strain are poor ergonomics, long periods of close-up work, and reduced blinking.
As a way to protect yourself from digital eye strain, Oling recommends the '20-20-20 rule.' The '20-20-20 rule' is a method to reduce visual stress caused by computer use proposed by American optometrist Jeffrey Ansell around 1991. It involves looking at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) ahead for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. In 1998, Ansell published a book called '
To avoid excessive eye strain while using a screen, it's important to get the environment right. Proper lighting, sufficient humidity and good air quality all play a major role in eye health. Other important ergonomic adjustments include positioning the screen slightly below eye level to reduce neck strain, increasing font size to minimise squinting and ensuring your chair supports good posture with a suitable backrest.
How to improve lighting to prevent eye fatigue even when working on a PC for a long time - GIGAZINE
In recent years, new treatments have shown promise for reducing digital eye strain. A drug called 'TRPM8' is expected to reduce the discomfort of dry eye by activating cooling receptors on the surface of the eye. Research is also underway on technology that can monitor tear quantity and quality in real time using biosensors that can be worn as patches under the eyes or attached to contact lenses.
'In this digital age, it is important to take measures to protect your eyesight. Recognizing the signs of digital eye strain, taking protective measures and seeking professional care in a timely manner can help reduce the risks associated with a screen-dependent lifestyle. The challenge of digital eye strain is not insurmountable, so with awareness, education and commitment to eye health, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of digital technology without compromising our eyesight,' said Oling. It is important to be aware of the problem of digital eye strain and take measures to combat it.
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