Are your eyes feeling the effects of hours of screen time? Perhaps your vision is slightly blurry, your eyes are dry, or you’re starting to get headaches. If so, you may be suffering from digital eye strain or as it’s also known, computer vision syndrome (CVS) — and you’re certainly not alone.
According to studies, over 70% of adults in the UK report experiencing symptoms of eye strain due to extended periods in front of screens. These symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
With the average adult spending more than 6 hours a day on digital devices (some reports suggest it’s closer to 10), millions of people across the UK are experiencing eye strain and other vision-related issues. Whether it’s for work, education, or entertainment, our increased reliance on screens is taking a toll on eye health. And it’s not just adults feeling the effects.
From children and teenagers who spend hours on educational and recreational devices, to older people who use screens for communication and entertainment, CVS is impacting vast numbers of the global population, and people of all ages.
Dry eye syndrome is another common issue exacerbated by prolonged screen time, and of growing concern. This condition, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface. It’s a chronic and often progressive condition that can significantly impact quality of life.
Causes of dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a number of factors, including increased tear evaporation, often brought on by prolonged screen time, and environmental factors like wind, smoke, and dry climates. Decreased tear production, which is linked to ageing, hormonal changes (especially in postmenopausal women), and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, can also contribute. Certain medications (antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants) also play a role in reducing tear production.
Our tears have three layers (oil, water, and mucus), and an imbalance in any of these layers — due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — can also be a cause of dry eyes.
Dry eye syndrome is prevalent worldwide and affects people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults. According to the NHS, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK suffer from dry eye symptoms. These include:
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Gritty, sandy feeling
- Itchiness
- Redness and inflammation
- Stringy mucus
- Extreme sensitivity
- Transient blurry vision
What role does blue light play?
Blue light is emitted from a range of light sources including the sun, but in recent years it has gained notoriety because of its link to digital screens. Computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital screens all emit blue light. Although this is only a fraction of that emitted by the sun, the amount of time people spend using these devices and the proximity of these screens to the eyes has caused concern about potential long-term effects of blue light on eye health.
Because of the short wavelength of blue light (which makes it easy to penetrate the eyes), almost all visible blue light rays pass through the cornea and lens to the retina, which is the lining at the back of the eye, causing damage through phototoxicity, and affecting retinal function and shape.
To combat the growing issue of eye strain, several innovative solutions have emerged, focusing on blue light filtering as well as other preventive measures and treatments that alleviate symptoms.
Blue light filtering glasses and screen protectors
One of the most discussed solutions for reducing eye strain is the use of blue light filtering glasses and screen protectors. These products help reduce exposure to blue light emitted by digital screens, which is believed to contribute significantly to eye fatigue and discomfort.
Blue light glasses have been shown to reduce eye strain symptoms in 65% of users, with studies showing that blue light glasses can even improve sleep quality by minimising the impact of blue light on the body’s circadian rhythm.
Screen protectors work in a similar way to blue light glasses, but can be applied to devices to reduce glare and filter blue light, providing an additional layer of protection for the eyes.
EXPLORE OUR UPCOMING PROGRAMME: Global Action for Eye Health
Launching on World Sight Day, October 10, 2024
Dry eye treatments
Innovations in treatment options have made managing dry eyes more effective. These advancements offer significant relief and improve the quality of life for millions of sufferers. Here are some of the latest and most promising innovations.
Advanced eye drops
New formulations of eye drops, including those that mimic natural tears more closely and provide longer-lasting relief, have been developed. These advanced eye drops can help soothe dry eyes and reduce irritation. HP-Guar is a polymer used in some advanced eye drops to enhance their viscosity and provide a more lubricating effect. Eye drops with HP-Guar form a protective gel-like barrier on the eye’s surface, offering extended relief from dry eye symptoms.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture. Eye drops containing hyaluronic acid are highly effective in providing long-lasting hydration and lubrication, along with lipid-based eye drops, which are designed to restore the lipid layer of the tear film.
Many new eye drop formulations are preservative-free, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
Dr. Josie Forte, a leading UK optometrist, emphasises the importance of using advanced eye drops for managing dry eyes: “Innovative eye drop formulations have revolutionised the way we treat dry eye syndrome. Products that mimic natural tears more closely and offer longer-lasting relief are game-changers for patients, improving their quality of life significantly.”
Light therapy for eyes
Light therapy, specifically intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment, has shown promise in treating dry eyes. IPL therapy helps improve the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of the tear film, reducing symptoms of dry eye disease.
IPL therapy involves the application of broad-spectrum light to the skin around the eyes, which penetrates the skin, warming and melting the thick, stagnant oil within the meibomian glands. The light’s anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce inflammation.
Punctal plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, keeping the eyes moist for longer periods. This mechanical method is particularly useful for individuals who do not respond well to eye drops or other treatments. These plugs can be temporary or permanent and are designed to provide significant relief from dry eye symptoms.
Advanced contact lenses
Specially designed contact lenses, such as scleral lenses, can provide relief for dry eye patients by creating a tear-filled reservoir over the cornea, ensuring constant hydration and protection.
Healthy eye habits and tips
How often do you blink? Increasing blink frequency can help to keep our eyes moist and reduce dryness. People tend to blink less when using screens, so it’s necessary to make a conscious effort to blink more frequently.
Taking regular breaks during screen time can be another simple lifestyle habit to embrace. The 20-20-20 rule, which suggests taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, is a highly recommended practice.
Eyelid massages can also help improve the function of the meibomian glands and reduce symptoms of dry eyes.
Adjusting screen settings can prove beneficial; by ensuring our screen’s brightness is similar to our surroundings, and using ‘night mode’ on our smartphones to lower our blue light exposure.
Regular eye check-ups
Scheduling regular eye exams with an optometrist to monitor your eye health and address any issues early is also important. An optometrist can recommend solutions such as computer glasses, screen protectors, and adjustments to your workspace to alleviate symptoms of eye strain.
Dry Eye Awareness Month
July is Dry Eye Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about dry eye syndrome and promoting understanding of its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Many organisations use this month to highlight the importance of eye health and encourage individuals to seek appropriate care.
By staying informed and taking proactive measures, individuals can help protect their eye health and mitigate the effects of prolonged screen use. Other bodies and organisations such as the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the National Eye Institute, and Fight for Sight offer a range of advice and services to support eye health.
Our upcoming programme
Launching on World Sight Day, October 10, 2024, is ITN Business’ news-style programme, ‘Global Action for Eye Health’, aiming to amplify awareness and drive action towards improved eye health worldwide.
The programme will explore innovations in vision care, initiatives ensuring accessibility and inclusivity and address disparities in eye care access to promote vision health equity. Additionally, the programme will aim to emphasise the digital transformation in optometry, sustainable practices, professional development, community engagement, and the importance of prioritising eye health for a brighter tomorrow.
Anchored by presenter Sangeeta Kandola, ‘Global Action for Eye Health’ will feature valuable insights from key opinion leaders from:
- The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), the professional body for dispensing opticians, focused on advancing the profession in the UK and worldwide;
- The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), a global alliance of eye health organisations working for the prevention of blindness and vision impairment;
- The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), a UK charity offering information, support and advice to almost two million people in the UK with sight loss.
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