Shafaqna – A recent medical study revealed an increasing number of cases of what is known as “digital eye strain” or computer vision syndrome, as a result of excessive use of electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions.
According to the study, spending long hours in front of screens, whether for work or entertainment, leads to eye fatigue more than traditional reading of print, which may cause vision disturbances and accompanying physical symptoms.
The study, citing data from the American Ophthalmological Association, showed that the eye is exposed to greater strain when looking at screens due to the decreased clarity of digital characters and poor contrast compared to printed texts, in addition to the effect of reflections and glare.
The results indicated that other factors, such as sitting at inappropriate angles and distances from the screen, contribute to exacerbating the problem, especially for people who suffer from pre-existing visual problems. The researchers also observed a noticeable decrease in the rate of eye blinking while using screens, which leads to dryness and irritation of the eyes.
The study identified the most prominent symptoms of digital stress, which include eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, sensitivity to light, in addition to pain in the neck and shoulders and difficulty refocusing the eyes.
As part of prevention, the study recommended following the “20-20-20” rule, which stipulates looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen use, in addition to practicing simple visual exercises, such as moving the eyes in the shape of the number 8, and blinking exercises, which have proven effective in alleviating the symptoms of digital eye strain.
The study concluded that adopting regular rest periods, improving sitting posture, and awareness of the importance of natural eyelashes can contribute significantly to reducing the negative effects of using digital screens on eye health.
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