The Role of Digital Devices and Myopia

Myopia, commonly called “nearsightedness,” is a vision condition where objects close to you appear clear while distant ones are blurry. This eye health concern has been on the rise for decades, with 23% of the global population being diagnosed in 2016 and a projected increase to 50% by 2050.

Myopia results from various factors, including genetics and environment, with the latter being a significant contributor in recent years. Is the technology-driven era making us see things differently because we are seeing too much of it?

The Causes of Myopia

Myopia is a refractive error, meaning the shape of your eye or the cornea does not allow light to focus correctly. In simple terms, if your eye is a bit longer or more oval than it should be, or if the cornea has a sharper curve, light rays will focus in front of your retina instead of directly on it. As a result, when your retina sends messages to your brain, distant images appear blurry.

Eye care professionals remain uncertain about the precise cause of myopia. However, they attribute its development to a combination of the following:

  • Genetics: If one or both of your parents wear glasses for nearsightedness, you might also find yourself at a higher risk of needing them.
  • Prolonged Close-Up Activities: Spending extended time reading or focusing on tasks up close can also contribute to nearsightedness.
  • Environmental Conditions: Some research indicates that not getting enough outdoor time could increase the risk of myopia.
  • Other Health Problems: Myopia can also indicate blood sugar level fluctuations for individuals with diabetes, suggesting the onset of cataracts.

Myopia and the Use of Digital Devices

Smart devices were introduced to us only a few decades ago, but their impact on our daily lives has been immense. From work and education to entertainment and communication, digital devices have become integral to modern society. Unfortunately, the use of these devices has also led to concerns about their effects on eye health. How are digital devices related to myopia?

Increased Screen Time

The surge in screen time from smartphones, tablets, and computers has promoted prolonged periods of looking at screens that often require intense focus on close-up content. This behavior can strain the eyes and weaken their ability to refocus on distant objects.

Reduced Outdoor Activity

Engagement with digital devices often displaces outdoor activities. The more you spend time indoors with your device, the more you lose out on how the eyes benefit from natural light and varying focal distances.

Moving Forward

While myopia may initially seem a simple vision problem, it is actually a public health issue that profoundly impacts the lives of individuals and society. It reduces your quality of life by hindering participation in daily activities and jeopardizing your safety in various settings. Myopia can also lead to even more serious eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and loss of sight.

Using your digital devices is not inherently bad, but it is vital to understand the potential implications and take steps to prevent or control myopia. Here are some tips to safeguard your vision health while using digital devices:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at an object at least 20 feet away.
  • Practice the 20-20-2 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a break for at least 20 seconds and engage in an outdoor activity for at least two hours.
  • Ensure Proper Lighting: Keep the light in your environment not too dim or too bright. You can also adjust the brightness on your device to match the surrounding lighting and reduce glare.
  • Get a Regular Eye Exam: Get your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor to detect potential vision problems early on.

Eye Wares: Looking Out for Your Eye Health

“Where can I find eye doctors near me?” This question is a good start to taking care of your eyes. At Eye Wares, we adopt a holistic approach to promote and preserve eye health. We aim to pave the way for a healthier and more balanced integration of digital technology into our lives!

Let us safeguard the visual health of current and future generations together. Schedule your eye exam with an optometrist in the Greater New Orleans Area and learn more about myopia and how to protect your vision.