From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

– The Sun Nigeria

Optometrists (eye doctors) have predicted that many people, in no distant time, would come down with different eye problems that might limit their sight.

This is as a result of prolonged interaction and exposure to devices, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops and several other electronic gadgets that have emissions that are harmful to the eyes.

The world is increasingly being infused into electronic devices that have redefined people’s lifestyles, businesses and information dissemination, among others. 

There are unconfirmed reports that a larger percentage of global population spends over 80 per cent of their day facing and interacting with electronic devices, chatting, working, gaming and doing other things. In the process, they expose themselves to emissions that have negative impacts on the eyes.

It has also been reported that, on average, some adults spend eight to nine hours a day on digital devices. This becomes unavoidable because of the increased penetration of technology, making it mandatory to interact and interface with devices. 

There are fears that the number might grow. Many jobs now require that people sit in front of computer screens for approximately 35-40 hours a week. While this is great for staying connected with people, arranging business and getting work done quickly and efficiently, it has impact on the health of users.

As the interface with these devices becomes unavoidable, experts have suggested that preventive measures be taken to protect the eyes, whose failure could result in blindness.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware that digital devices, including cell phones and computer screens, have emissions that are dangerous to health. 

Doctors also observed that there is a growing number of children who are coming down with eye problems, with many religiously using medicated glasses at an early age.

While some of the eye problems are hereditary, notably, cataract, glaucoma and myopia, others are as a result of lifestyle and environmental factors, like dry eyes and allergies.

Blue light

Blue light is emission from phones, tablets, laptops and other devices that used for regular day-to-day activities. Sadly, it has been found to have negative effects on eye health. 

Studies suggest that blue light has a potential to lead to macular degeneration, bypassing the pupil and cornea to beam directly into the retina. 

Research revealed that blue light affects central vision. It kills off photo receptor cells in the retina. It’s unlike some other cells in the body that, once they die, they cannot regenerate, meaning that any damage done to them is permanent.

Further research revealed that blue light could also come from sunlight. This is bad for the eyes. Blue light is particularly toxic as it has a shorter wave length than other colours of light, meaning it has more energy. It also prevents the body from releasing melatonin,  the chemical the body requires to feel sleepy. 

Doctors’ predictions 

Optometrists are concerned over the surge in demand for medicated glasses for sight and other uses, attributing it to different factors that were never there in initially.

They have predicted that there would be significant rise in the number of people who would need eye attention soon because of increasing exposure to some factors that are not friendly to the eyes, especially electronic devices.

An opthalmologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, who pleaded anonymity, said: “I am not surprised with the rise in number of visits to the optometry department of hospitals now. In fact, more people would besiege the optometry department of our various hospitals soon, and we are ready for them. 

“The reason is simple, the world has gone digital. You can only see and meet the world online through your smartphones, laptops, tablets and other devices.

“Many people start and end their day online through their various sophisticated devices. Prolonged exposure to these devices is not good for the eyes. Some people don’t even care to get glasses that would help protect their eyes. I can confidently predict a surge in hospital visits soon because many people would come down with eye problems sooner than later.”

Optometrist, Dr. Aikhulegbe Chicky Chukwurah, advised that anti-blue light setting on phones and other devices should always be turned on to protect the eyes from blue light, which is a reflection from screens that causes eye discomfort.

She, however, stated that the lifestyle of prolonged interactions or interface with electronic devices could lead to computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain (DES): “DES is a group of related eye and vision problems caused by prolonged use of computers and other digital screens. The symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eye, headache, blurry vision, eye strain, double vision, Itchy, red and teary eyes, neck and shoulder pain.

“When you look at a digital screen, your eyes work so hard to focus because the texts on the screen are not as sharp as those on a printed page. Also, digital screens come with glare, making the eyes work extra hard to focus clearly.”

DES risk factors 

Risk factors include looking at digital screen every day for at least two hours uninterrupted, poor lighting, glare or reflection on a digital devices, poor posture while sitting in front of computer or digital screen, incorrect viewing or computer working distance, an already existing eye problem or refractive problems (long sightedness and astigmatism) and incorrect or poorly done refractive glasses.”

 CVS diagnoses

“It is diagnosed by an optometrist. The doctors make a diagnosis from a detailed health history and a comprehensive eye examination. They would check if any medicine, health factor or environmental factor is contributing to the patients’ symptoms.”

Treatment 

“Treating computer vision syndrome first requires adjustment of the computer by placing it 20 to 28 inches from the eyes, 10 to 20 degrees tilted backwards, and slightly below eye level. Also, adjust the settings by increasing brightness, contrast and font size

“Practice the 20-20-20 rule, which means that after every 20 minutes of using the computer, look at a distance 20 feet away from the computer for about 20 seconds. Also blinking often will help prevent eyes from drying out.

“In addition, the screen glare should be reduced by cutting off unwanted bright lights. Shut windows and curtains, dim bright lights, add screen glare filter to computer, adjust posture by using chairs with appropriate height and good back support, sit upright with feet flat on the floor, or tilt forward, or move head up or down to see the computer clearly.

“Artificial tears or lubricants help with dry eyes, glasses too. If there is refractive error, it’s advised that one should wear adequate prescription glasses or contact lens when using the computer or digital screen. 

“Computer distance is not a far or near distance, it is intermediate distance. For those who wear both far and near correction would need special glasses called progressive addition lenses for intermediate (computer) distance.

“Also, blue light filtering lenses, photochromic lenses and lenses with anti-reflective coating should be used. It helps to reduce glare and the magnitude of blue light entering the eyes. 

“If any of any of these listed symptoms continues, one should visit eye care professionals to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Most of these symptoms, if left untreated, could lead to more complicated vision-threatening conditions.”