We spend many hours “connected”. Between the mobile, the computer, the television and the consoles, how much time do they add up in your day today? This abuse has its consequences for health. Next, we tell you some of them and how to reduce them.
Is it true that digital screens affect our eyes? It is a question about which much has been said, both yes and no scientifically proven relationship. So to overcome doubts, at Blogthinkbig.com we have consulted an optician, María José Sánchez, who works daily with patients and knows the subject well.
Yes, they affect
His answer is clear: screens do affect our eyes. But not so much for the light of the screens themselves, which is being studied, but mainly for the associated habits.
“We keep our eyes fixed, with little variety, in a bright spot, and at a relatively small distance .” It is recommended that there be at least a distance of between 50 and 60 centimetres.
To this, we must add a large number of hours we spend in front of the devices. There are studies that encrypt it in seven hours, and even more. And it is a fact that when we are “connected” weblink less: we keep our eyes wide open, so that nothing escapes us, almost like in an alert situation.
If at any given moment, our blink rate is every eight or ten seconds, in front of the computer it amounts to half a minute; more than triple.
Why is decreased eye blinking a problem?
“Decreased blinking is a problem for the eyes, as it causes Dry Eye Syndrome. This is that the eyes secrete fewer tears, causing a burning sensation, itching, grit or blurred vision. These effects are the manifestation of the eye that needs to be more lubricated. ”
Does it have a solution? Yes. Increase the blink rate. We can do this consciously, forcing ourselves to do it. However, the most comfortable thing is to rest your eyes from time to time. That is, ” look away from the screen and look about five or ten minutes out the window, in the distance, or close your eyes every hour or an hour and a half,” he explains.
To prevent and alleviate the aforementioned “dry eye” symptoms, you can also use artificial tears to hydrate them. However, in case you experience discomfort, María José recommends that you first visit “a vision specialist, an optician-optometrist or an ophthalmologist to rule out possible graduation problems or other adjacent problems”; that can also occur.
Is it really good to rest your eyes?
In his opinion, and in that of many professionals, yes. It is necessary so that the eyes do not get used to focusing only closely. This can alter their ability to adapt to focus at different distances.
For this same reason, they also advise spending more time outdoors, where the eye focuses all close and far. An invitation perhaps obvious to some, but very necessary today, since we spend so many hours “hooked”.
To make it easy to remember, the opticians consider a formula: 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds focusing at 20 meters. It is not necessary to follow the rule strictly, it is an orientation. What is convenient is to interrupt to rest your eyes from time to time.
Blue light and other visual problems
With the blue light, there is a lot of discussions. Experts are divided between its damage to the eyes and those who deny it, arguing that its effect has not been proven. It is true: it is still being evaluated.
Regarding the main visual problems, myopia or hyperopia, there does seem to be a direct consequence. For example, the increase in myopic children has transcended in recent years. María José confirms that “ there are more and more people with vision problems. In fact, now, after being confined by Covid-19, the number has multiplied. ” However, these abnormalities are particularly influenced by genetic predisposition.
“This fact should not be something alarming,” he concludes, “but we must be more careful.” Reducing the number of hours of exposure and incorporating these tips into our daily routine.
