Introduction
The usage of technology continues to increase and we are more dependent than ever on computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. People used these devices more during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, resulting in eye strain. Researchers found that just two hours of continuous screen usage per day can cause vision problems. It can also lead to muscle pain and sleep problems.
The blinking rate of individuals decreases when using a digital device. The lack of proper stimulation causes glands around the eyes’ edges to fail to release a proper liquid layer. This causes drier eyes. The angle that one looks at a computer is often higher than normal, leading to faster evaporation. Also, sitting close to a device makes eye muscles work harder, causing eye strain and headaches.
Method
Dr. Bahkir and her collaborator aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on digital screen time. The team sent an online survey on social media with questions about screen time usage and eye strain symptoms (e.g., headaches, dry eyes, burning sensations, etc.). The survey had 407 respondents. This included 36% students, 15% medical professionals, 37% non medical workers and 12% temporarily unemployed people.
Results
Half the respondents reported that the average digital device usage increased by five hours or more during lockdown. About 96% of respondents experienced at least one symptom of digital device usage. Two-thirds of the respondents below 26-years-old experience sleep pattern disturbances from excess screen time. Students experienced the most impacts of extensive digital screen usage because of online school needs (e.g., assignments, webinars). Daily digital screen usage increased to around nine hours or more for students. Common symptoms included eye pain, blurry vision, heavy eyelids and headaches.
Digital eye strain is a common lifestyle-related health issue that increased with the global pandemic. There are several ways to limit the impacts. The best method is to blink during several intervals to help the glands produce a liquid layer on the eyes. A second method is the 20-20-20 rule. After 20 minutes of screen time, one should focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Conclusion
COVID-19 greatly affected many people. Some people believe that studying or working from home has more benefits than attending work or classes in person. But, individuals or work or study from home have experienced a slow deterioration of eye health. It is important that all individuals work to prevent further eye strain.
References
Bahkir, F. A., & Grandee, S. S. (2020). Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on digital device-related ocular health. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 68(11), 2378–2383. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2306_20
About the Author
Written by Jananie Suntharesan
SCIFAA 