Can excessive screen time lead to permanent eye damage?
December 28, 2023 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Ammelie Niemeyer
Dear team of the online eye clinic,
My name is Edith Dietrich and I am reaching out to you with a question that has been on my mind for some time now. In today's world, we all spend a lot of time in front of screens - whether it's on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or TV. I myself work all day on the computer and also spend a lot of my free time reading news, watching movies, or communicating with friends.
Lately, I have noticed that my eyes are often tired and irritated. I also sometimes feel like my vision has deteriorated. I am worried that these symptoms could be caused by my screen time and that I could suffer permanent eye damage.
So my question to you is: Can excessive screen time actually cause permanent eye damage? Are there possible solutions or preventive measures that I can take to protect my eyes? I would like to learn more about how to keep my eyes healthy, despite the many hours I spend in front of a screen every day.
Thank you in advance for your help and support. I am looking forward to your assessment and advice.
Best regards,
Edith Dietrich
Dear Edith Dietrich,
Thank you for your question and your interest in the health of your eyes. It is very understandable that you are concerned when you notice that your eyes are tired and irritated, and your vision seems to be deteriorating. The constant use of screens can indeed lead to various discomforts and cause long-term eye damage.
The so-called Computer Vision Syndrome is a common problem that arises from the use of screens. Symptoms such as tired, dry or irritated eyes, headaches, neck and back pain, as well as deteriorating vision can occur. These discomforts are caused by various factors, such as the constant staring at the screen, reduced blinking which can lead to dry eyes, as well as the glare and blue light emitted by the screens.
It is important that you take measures to protect your eyes and avoid discomfort. One possibility is the so-called 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, you should look into the distance for 20 seconds to relax your eyes. Additionally, make sure to blink enough to keep your eyes moist. A good screen position, with sufficient distance from the screen and proper lighting, can also help relieve your eyes.
Furthermore, special computer glasses or screen glasses could be a solution for you. These glasses filter the blue light from the screens, reducing the strain on your eyes. Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist are also important to detect and treat any changes in a timely manner.
In addition, special eye drops can help keep your eyes moist. Also, make sure to drink enough water to provide your body and eyes with sufficient hydration.
Overall, it is important to take care of your eye health and take preventive measures to avoid discomfort. I recommend following the tips mentioned and consulting an eye doctor if you experience persistent discomfort, to receive a precise diagnosis and further treatment options.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and wish you all the best for your eye health.
Best regards,
Ammelie Niemeyer, Specialist in Ophthalmology
