Today we are all obsessed with mobile devices. And for good reasons. They inform us. And certainly entertain us. More importantly they keep us in touch with family and friends. And the list just goes on. Their is a problem however. Optometrists are seeing an alarming number of people with severe eye problems. Caused by these devices. So we know that mobile devices damage eyes. But is it avoidable.
Mobile devices damage eyes 📱☹️👀
Do mobile devices damage eyes?
Yes. Certainly a large number of optometrists are seeing toddlers as young as 4 and 5 years old. With eye strain and early on-set myopia. Caused by many hours of prolonged use on mobile phones and tablets. So mobile devices damage eyes.
The severe eye problems caused by these devices. Has prompted the optical profession to research this topic. In turn revealing some really horrible statistics. Showing that if the trend continues at the current rate. Up to half the world’s population could be blind with myopia by 2050. In 2000 roughly 25 percent of the world’s population had myopia. A preventable condition that could occur to you or your children.
Myopia or “shortsightedness” is commonly seen in Asian countries. Where children spend comparatively more time using close ranged vision. This is a growing epidemic that was hardly ever seen in Australia. And other western countries. And overlaps with the recent trend of mobile devices becoming the new “shut-up toy”. Something to keep the kids quiet so Mum and Dad can get some peace and quiet.
So what is myopia and why is it a problem ❓😦
Myopia or shortsightedness is a common vision condition. In which you can see objects near to you clearly. But object further away are blurry. It has been shown to occur due to focusing too long on very close objects. Or a lack of sunlight during the early growing years. Plus other factors like genetics. It has always been a progressive eye problem. Meaning it continues to get worse. Until it is impossible to make a corrective lens with enough power to help the patient see. Leading to blindness.
So, mobile devices damage eyes. How do you prevent this 📱❓
We all know that it would be impossible to live in today’s world without these devices. Due to the benefits they bring. Even for toddlers and kids. But as a parent with the knowledge that these devices do cause major eye problems. It is up to you to set limits on how long they are used.
I suggest that everyone (including adults). Spends no longer than 10 minutes using these devices and then 10 minutes off. The 10 minutes off does not mean you go from the phone to the tablet or vice versa. This time would preferably be spent outdoors. Looking far into the distance to relax the strained eye muscle. Surely not too tall an order. When you know it could save you or your child’s eye sight.
Solutions to correct myopia currently 👍
Currently there is no cure. (Update: New prescription lenses with small circular flaws are now available. And have proved well in slowing the progression or also fixing the problem of myopia. Also new contact lenses designed for children. If worn from a young age are showing excellent results. In slowing or stopping the progression of myopia. See your local optometrist for details.) Also available is laser surgery – keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Both change the shape of the cornea to better focus light on the retina. Note that children are normally limited to prescription glasses or contact lenses only.
What is the future
(See above: Solutions to correct myopia currently.) For those who cannot be without their devices for even a minute and possibly end up with myopia. There are many universities, scientists and optical professionals. All working to find solutions to this problem with some promising early work.
In Hong Kong where myopia has been a problem for some time. They have created special contact lenses. With small circular flaws that helps to retrain the eyes. Also in a university in Israel they are working on using a mobile phone with a special app. To take a photo of the eye which then calculates where the problems need fixing. A dye is placed on the eye were the correction is needed. Then a solution is dropped on to the eye and adheres to the dye. Making a temporary correction that fixes the problem.
Better still try to prevent this from happening in the first place. And now that you know this can happen please pass the information on so you can also help others.
References:
- mivision – an Australian ophthalmic journal
- Insight – an Australian ophthalmic journal
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/short-sightedness-myopia
- https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/myopia.htm
- https://nei.nih.gov/health/errors/myopia
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