Researchers at the American Academy of Ophthalmology predict that by the year 2050, half of the world’s population will be nearsighted. Many experts believe the rise in the number of people diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness) may be linked to the use of electronic devices.
“For years, eye professionals have felt there was a link between prolonged near use of our eyes and nearsightedness,” said Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak ophthalmologist, Charles Colombo, M.D.
By “near” use Colombo means focusing on items that are near to the face, such as a computer screen or cell phone for a long period of time.
The accommodative muscle inside the eye constricts when a person is looking at an up close target. As this circular muscle narrows to focus on objects, it slightly elongates, making the eye more nearsighted over time. This is a muscle that you may not want to overwork, Colombo said. “When we are very young the eye is more pliable and less rigid, so it’s more prone to enlarge as opposed to later in life,” Colombo said.
In addition to myopia, those who spend a significant amount of time using screens may be at risk for developing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also referred to Digital Eye Strain, according to The American Optometric Association. CVS is caused by starting at a screen too close to your face, and symptoms include: blurred vision, double vision, dry or red eyes, eye irritation, headaches and neck or back pain.
“Studies show that when we stare at a computer, our blinking diminishes by 30 percent. We’re not sure why, but we blink less, so the eyes dry out and that makes them burn,” Colombo said. “Secondly, if we overdue our accommodation we could get a headache and blurry vision. This is all due to prolonged computer use.”
Those who spend a significant amount of time using screens should consider the 20-20-20 rule, Columbo said. When you’re working on a computer or staring at a cell phone for a long time, remember to look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
Also consider asking your eye doctor about anti-reflective coatings to protect you from blue light exposure from screens. Digital eye strain can happen in as little as two hours.
A great way to give your eyes a break from screens is to step outside. Doing so regularly may reduce your risk of myopia and eye strain, and improve your overall eye health. The natural light gives your eyes a break from the blue screens, and by stepping outside you’re forced to focus on things that are far away, giving that accommodative eye muscle a break too.
Just remember to wear sunglasses that block out 99 percent to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Consider exercise-friendly glasses with quality lenses and frames that hug your face. Styles that wrap around your head can also help to block more sunlight and even help protect against wind.
Next Avenue contributed to this report.