Smartphones linked to increase in eye problems

Friday, March 20 2015 | 00 h 00 min | News

Prolonged smartphone use, especially among young people, is implicated in an increase in eye problems ranging from eye strain to myopia and even temporary blindness.

A teenaged patient of London, Ontario-based optometrist Dr. Christina Schropp developed eye strain so severe she was temporarily legally blind. Three months of therapy, and limiting her time on mobile devices, were required to return her to 20/20 vision.

A survey from the Vision Council’s report on digital eye strain found that 7 out of 10 millennials  reported experiencing symptoms of eye strain. 84% of millennials surveyed owned a smartphone.

Staring too long at smartphone screens can result in dry eyes, blurred vision and a stiff neck. Experts recommend taking a break every 20 minutes and focusing on a more distant object, at least 6 metres away, to avoid eye strain.

Further Information: http://www.lfpress.com/2015/01/23/optometrists-report-increase-in-eye-problems-related-to-digital-devices