Because of the itching in the eyes, it is inevitable to scratch them at the end of the day. Sometimes the sensation turns into a burning sensation that makes them drool. Red, tired eyes feel dry. Most people today maintain a routine of constant activity that depends on digital technology, as work and leisure time are mostly spent in front of a screen.
After a long day at the computer, we choose to unwind by scrolling through social media, watching a movie, or catching up on the news to catch up on what happened that day.
According to a study by Comparitech, people worldwide spend almost seven hours a day in front of a screen, equivalent to about 30 percent of the day.
For this reason, it is no coincidence, as explained by Dr. Marcelo Huertas, President of the Colombian Federation of Colleges of Optometrists (Fedopto), Excessive use of screens has become a public health problem because “the majority of people who come to consultation today have problems with blurred vision, eye fatigue and dry eyes; and these three symptoms are related to the misuse of screens.”
Yes, good Screens themselves have not been proven to harm eye health; it is known that their misuse can cause symptoms that, if not corrected or treated properly, can lead to discomfort and even pathology.
Although mobile phones, computers and televisions are now sold with eye-protecting filters, there is still a lack of information about the risks associated with misuse of the devices.
One of the main symptoms of excessive screen use is dry eyes. César Carriazo, president of the Colombian Society of Ophthalmology (Socoftal), explains that the concentration of people on screens leads to a decrease in the frequency of blinking.
When this happens, the problem of dryness arises, “because the tear film that is formed is not adequately distributed over the surface. At the same time, the epithelium – the outer and protective layer of the cornea – becomes inflamed and This leads to burning, dryness, feeling of a foreign body in the eye, tiredness and eye fatigue, among other things. Therefore, while working at the computer, it is necessary to pause and blink,” Kariyaza tells EL TIEMPO.
It can be harmless if you consciously blink and moisturize your eyes. however, Symptoms that cause discomfort can trigger behaviors that can be dangerous.
For example, if itching causes excessive rubbing, a corneal pathology called keratoconus may develop. It is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea – the clear front part of the eye – thins and deforms. This causes blurred, distorted and light-sensitive vision.
“Keratoconus leads to loss of quality of vision; so you need to wear special contact lenses or have surgery to be able to see well. Some patients may even lose their vision if keratoconus is very advanced,” says Cariaza.
Hence the importance of blinking while looking at the screen, as well as keeping the eyes moist and not rubbing excessively due to eye discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used in these cases if recommended by a healthcare professional.
Screen abuse can also have effects on eye muscles. The eye has a mechanism called accommodation that allows it to adjust to different distances. When viewed from a distance, the inner muscles of the eye – the eyelashes – are relaxed; but when the object comes nearer to the examination, these muscles contract.
“Inside the eye is the lens, the lens that is supported by the muscles responsible for focusing so that we can see clearly both near and far. With excessive use of screens, especially without interruption, the inner muscle tends to stay tight to see and focus up close. It was as if she had a small spasm,” says Huertas, president of Fedopto.
This is where the problem arises: when looking from a distance, the vision becomes blurred, because the muscle loses its flexibility due to the continuous effort to see up close. This symptom is not permanent and can be treated, but as Huertas explains, it causes discomfort and fatigue and is best avoided with good screen behavior.
One such good habit is a well-known one The 20-20-20 rule. That’s every 20 minutes of continuous screen use, with a 20-second pause to look at an object about six meters (20 feet) away.
This practice helps reduce digital eye strain, relaxes the muscles that contract when focusing, and promotes blinking, which improves eye lubrication and reduces eye fatigue.
Likewise, the distance at which the screens are placed is important. “A minimum of 40 centimeters is recommended when using cellular devices, and 50 or 60 centimeters for computer screens,” Huertas clarifies.
In addition to this, the optometrist emphasizes the importance of adequate lighting while viewing screens. It is very important to avoid direct light on them; The light should come from behind or above and not create glare on the computer.
It is also not advisable to be in the dark, as it increases eye fatigue. That is, there must be a balance between the lighting of the screen and the environment; it cannot be too dark or too bright.
Being in a very dark environment causes the pupil to dilate to compensate for the lack of light, allowing much more light to enter directly from the screen.
“This irritates the retina and creates visual discomfort, especially if the light from the device is intense. On the other hand, if the environment is well-lit, the pupil remains medium-sized and does not let in as much intense light,” explains Cariaza.
As for the supposed risk of blue light that caused eye health concern some time ago, well Experts note that there are no studies that demonstrate the real danger or benefit of glasses with blue filters. Care, they emphasize, should focus on usage habits.
Finally, experts also recommend avoiding removing lice with your fingernails. Your hands can contain bacteria that infect your eyes, so it’s best to wash your face and dry it with a clean towel.
In terms of children’s eye health, the relationship between the use of screens at very short distances and increased eye development is increasingly being studied. myopia.
Constantly being in front of devices several centimeters from the face can lead to the development of this refractive error of the eyes, especially since the visual system of the child is still in the process of growth and adaptation.. “This phenomenon, which used to be less common, is now more common,” explains Huertas.
This trend is increasing as devices become entertainment devices to keep children occupied even from an early age. This reinforces the recommendation to promote healthier viewing habits from childhood.
Although screen exposure in itself is not harmful, Experts remind that it is too early to talk about its long-term consequences: since the pandemic, digitalization has accelerated, and to assess its real consequences, time is needed – according to experts, at least 40 years.
At the same time, they insist that it’s in our hands to adopt healthy screen-use habits that prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of more serious problems over time.
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