Working a lot on computers and phones: Beware of screen vision syndrome

The article was professionally consulted by MSc Hoang Thanh Nga - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Screen vision syndrome is a serious eye disease and is often easily acquired because the percentage of people using phones, computers, and televisions is increasing rapidly. With the development of technology and techniques, many people often experience symptoms of discomfort and fatigue when using electronic devices after 3-4 hours of continuous work without using blue light blocking glasses. .

Screen vision syndrome is a syndrome that includes vision-related syndromes and eye symptoms and diseases related to frequent exposure to other electronic screen devices such as: electricity. Phones, computers, tablets, televisions,...
In the screen vision syndrome, including the computer screen vision syndrome that many people often call CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome) and other syndromes vision-related symptoms and eye disease symptoms and conditions related to frequent exposure to other electronic screen devices.
Screen vision syndrome often affects concentration at work, and reduces the quality of life and work of computer users.

Common symptoms of screen vision syndrome include:
Eye fatigue: When looking at a computer screen continuously for many hours, the first manifestation of screen vision syndrome is eye strain. Blurred vision: Blurred eyes but no visual impairment is most likely a manifestation of computer vision disorder. Eyes must constantly focus and move to see when working with the computer. Using a computer causes eye fatigue more than reading or reading newspapers because computer screens have additional factors including: contrast, brightness and glare, which make eyes more easily blurred. Dry eyes: Blinking is a natural response of the body that helps to release tears and spread evenly across the surface of the eye. The average person blinks about 14 times per minute. However, our eyes only blink 6 times per minute when using a computer or phone. The eye blinks less, causing insufficient tears to supply to the surface of the eye, leading to dry, and easily irritated eyes. Headache: When there are signs of screen vision syndrome, the patient may have a headache. The distance between the eyes and the computer screen is not reasonable, too close can cause headaches, and fatigue. Poor working posture as well as the distance between the eyes and the computer screen will make the eye muscle regulation to the limit and cause headaches. Double vision: Double vision, also known as double vision, is a phenomenon of looking at one object but seeing two images, that is, next to the real image of the object, there is another blurry image. Double vision also occurs when the eye muscles are weakened or the optic nerve is damaged. Neck and shoulder pain: Many patients often adjust their neck and back to see better when their vision is blurry due to screen vision syndrome. However, this adjustment can cause back pain, neck pain, and neck pain due to incorrect sitting posture when working.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), eyes will have a 90% chance of vision loss just by being exposed to screens of electronic devices for more than 3 hours a day. The impaired vision of the eyes is a risk of blindness due to the eyes being affected by dangerous light, this type of light is called blue light emitted from screen devices such as phones, computers. computers, tablets, televisions,... or light from LEDs, and fluorescent lamps.
There are also many other factors that increase the risk of screen vision syndrome including: refractive errors in the eyes, incorrect computer placement, frequent use of mobile phones, incorrect sitting posture, etc. .. The explosion of electronic devices is an inevitable part of modern life, but with it, the use of electronic devices leads to screen vision syndrome and causes serious problems and diseases. important about.

People who work in offices are not only susceptible to diseases related to the spine and heart, but also susceptible to visual diseases. Because office workers often work in closed spaces and for a period lasting from 8 to 11 hours a day. It is easy to see that sitting in one place for a long time, working in an environment without fresh air leads to more and more serious diseases.
In particular, this subject is prone to eye diseases, including screen vision syndrome. Because the eyes are affected by dangerous light sources, blue light - visible light in the optical spectrum with wavelengths from 450nm - 495nm is emitted from screen devices such as computers, tablets, phones. telephone, television... or dangerous light from LED lights, fluorescent lights during working hours (8-11 hours per day).

Studies on the role of retinal pigment epithelial cells have identified the correct principle for the prevention of screen vision syndrome. It is necessary to take the initiative to take care of and protect the retina from the inside by supplementing with nutrients through eating and drinking, and nourishing healthy eyes from the inside by taking care of the eyes every day.
Adjust working posture, give your eyes time to rest, avoid harmful agents such as smoke, tobacco, alcohol... To protect eyesight and keep eyes healthy, it is necessary to have a visit mode. periodic examination.
In addition, with screen vision syndrome, it is necessary to have a mode of using computer screens and electronic devices in a scientific way:
After using the computer for about 20-30 minutes, you should look in the other direction and Take your eyes off the screen for about 2 – 5 minutes. Blink often to avoid dry eyes, should add moisture to the eyes by using artificial tears. It is necessary to keep the correct working posture and the appropriate distance between the eyes and the computer screen to make better eye muscle regulation, to limit headaches and eye fatigue. When studying and working, you should use a recliner with a back cushion. Along with that, pay attention to adjust your posture when sitting at the computer, do not sit in one place for too long, exercise every 45-60 minutes. Blue light is one of the most energetic of all visible light. As a result, blue light can easily pass through the natural light-filtering layers of the eyeball to the fundus and cause retinal damage.
Therefore, some remedies when regularly exposed to blue light such as:
Minimizing looking at electronic screens is the simplest and most effective measure. The harmful effects of blue light disrupt the circadian rhythm severely, so within 2-3 hours before sleeping, you can listen to the radio, listen to music, read books, go for a walk instead of using the phone, and watch television. On the other hand, we can use some of the following measures that will also help minimize the side effects of electronic screens.
Limiting exposure to blue light in the evening contributes to modern diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. It takes a smart usage strategy. According to eye experts, users of electronic screens should follow the 20-20-20 rule. That way is to rest your eyes every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, and look at objects at least 20 feet away. We can look through the window or look around the room. Screen vision syndrome includes syndromes related to eye diseases, caused by the impact of dangerous light sources including light emitted by electronic devices such as phones, televisions, computers, etc. ... If left untreated, it can lead to visual impairment, even blindness. Therefore, when seeing signs of eye fatigue, aches and pains, especially for those who often work with computers, it is necessary to immediately go to an eye specialist medical facility for examination and intervention. timely card.
Eye specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital are the leading medical facilities in the country in the examination and treatment of eye-related diseases, with comprehensive quality in both expertise and medical services.
Eye specialist at Vinmec has comprehensive vision and eye health care functions for children, adults and the elderly including: refractive error check, laser treatment and surgery. In addition, the department also has the task of coordinating with other clinical departments in the treatment of pathological complications and eye injuries caused by accidents.
Besides, the team of Ophthalmologists here are experienced doctors who have implemented many types of surgery from routine to difficult surgeries, especially techniques that require aesthetics. . With enthusiasm and love for the profession, the team of doctors working at Vinmec always gives customers the best services with the highest service quality.