Dubai: The increasing prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, among teenagers, has become a growing concern for ophthalmologists worldwide. A recent study conducted by experts at Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE and Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah has revealed a significant rise in the number of teenagers requiring glasses due to excessive use of digital devices.
According to Dr Julia Sempere Matarredona, specialist ophthalmologist at Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, the number of children between 13 and 16 years old who need glasses has doubled in the past decade. This alarming trend can be attributed primarily to the development of myopia associated with prolonged screen time and reduced exposure to natural light.
The impact of screen time on eye health
Dr Matarredona emphasized that while myopia has a hereditary component, environmental factors such as excessive near-distance work and prolonged device use can significantly exacerbate its development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children and young people limit their screen time to no more than two hours per day, excluding school hours.
Key factors contributing to myopia development:
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Prolonged near-distance work: Constantly focusing on close objects can strain the eyes and lead to myopia.
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Reduced blinking: Excessive screen time can reduce the frequency of blinking, leading to dry eyes and discomfort.
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Poor posture: Maintaining a poor posture while using digital devices can further contribute to eye strain.
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Blue light exposure: Artificial blue light emitted from screens can disrupt sleep patterns and increase visual discomfort.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
Dr Rajeev Kumar, specialist ophthalmologist at Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah, highlighted the multifaceted effects of prolonged screen time on eye health. Common symptoms include:
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Digital eye strain: Discomfort and vision issues associated with extended device use.
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Computer vision syndrome: Eye discomfort, blurred vision, and headaches.
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Myopia: Nearsightedness, making it difficult to see distant objects.
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Accommodation problems: Difficulty adjusting focus between near and far objects.
Preventive measures and treatment
To mitigate the negative impact of excessive screen time, both experts recommend the following:
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20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
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Adjust screen settings: Reduce brightness and contrast to minimize eye strain.
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Use proper lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in your workspace to reduce eye strain.
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Blink frequently: Consciously blink your eyes regularly to keep them moist.
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Regular eye exercises: Perform exercises to relax and strengthen your eye muscles.
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Anti-reflective coatings: Use glasses with anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from screens.
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Limit screen time before bed: Avoid using screens at least one hour before bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.
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Spend time outdoors: Aim for at least one hour of outdoor activity per day to reduce the risk of myopia.
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A healthy diet and adequate sleep: Ensure a balanced diet and sufficient sleep to support overall eye health.
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Regular eye examinations: Schedule annual eye exams to monitor your vision and address any concerns early on.
The importance of corrective measures
While preventive measures can help mitigate the risk of myopia, corrective measures such as glasses may be necessary to address vision problems. Both experts emphasized the effectiveness of glasses in correcting myopia and improving visual clarity.
The increasing prevalence of myopia among teenagers is a serious concern that requires attention. By implementing preventive measures, limiting screen time, and seeking regular eye exams, parents and teenagers can significantly reduce the risk of developing myopia and safeguard long-term eye health.
Source: Khaleej Times