As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, concerns have risen about the potential negative effects on vision, particularly myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Myopia is a condition in which objects far away appear blurry, while those close up appear clear. It is a growing concern worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating that by 2050, half of the world’s population will be affected by this condition.
One theory that has gained attention is the idea that prolonged use of screens, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, may contribute to the development of vision problems. However, the research on this topic is mixed and more studies are needed to fully understand the link between screens and myopia.
There is evidence to suggest that prolonged screen use may contribute to the development of nearsightedness, particularly in children. A study published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology found that children who spend more time on screens have a higher risk of developing the condition. The study also found that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk. This suggests that exposure to natural light may play a role in vision health.
On the other hand, other studies have found no significant link between screen use and vision quality. A study published in the journal Ophthalmology found that there was no significant difference in the incidence of nearsightedness between children who spent more time on screens and those who spent less time on screens.
It’s important to note that nearsightedness has many potential causes and it’s likely that it’s a multifactorial pathology. Factors such as genetics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices all play a important role in the development of the problem.
There are steps that can be taken to reduce the risks or to slow its progression. These include:
- Limiting the amount of time spent on screens, particularly for children;
- Taking regular breaks from screens;
- Ensuring that screens are properly positioned at a comfortable distance and angle;
- Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors;
Find your balance
Here are some best practices for balancing screen time and other activities:
- Set limits: Setting limits on the amount of time spent on screens can help to ensure that screen time does not take up too much of your day. This can be done by setting daily or weekly time limits for different types of screen use, such as social media, gaming, and work-related tasks;
- Create a schedule: Creating a schedule that includes time for screen use as well as other activities can help to ensure that you are not spending too much time on screens. This can include scheduled time for exercise, reading, spending time with family and friends, and engaging in hobbies;
- Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks from screens can help to reduce eye strain and fatigue. This can include taking a break every 20-30 minutes or setting a timer to remind you to take a break;
- Use the right lighting: Using the right lighting when working or using screens can help to reduce eye strain. This includes positioning screens at a comfortable distance and angle and avoiding glare;
- Use the night mode: Many devices have a night mode that can be activated to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from the screen. Blue light can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, so using night mode can help improve sleep quality;
- Engage in other activities: Engaging in other activities, such as exercise, reading, and spending time with family and friends, can help to reduce screen time and promote overall well-being;
- Balance your time: Be mindful of the time you spend on screens and try to find a balance that works for you. Remember that excessive screen time can have negative effects on physical and mental health, so it’s important to find a balance that allows you to enjoy the benefits of technology while also engaging in other activities;
- Share: Encourage your family and friends to adopt similar practices, especially if you have children;
By following these best practices, you can help to balance screen time with other activities and promote overall well-being. Keep visiting us for more news and updates on the latest research on technology and vision health.
