Digital screen use linked to rising eye health issues

Medical experts are warning of increasing rates of digital eye strain and dry eye syndrome due to prolonged screen use. This issue is particularly prevalent among children, adolescents, and university students.

Ophthalmologists note that excessive time spent on smartphones, tablets, and computers reduces the natural frequency of blinking. This leads to insufficient ocular lubrication, causing symptoms such as redness, burning, blurred vision, and a sensation of sand in the eyes. In adolescents, the risk is heightened by using devices in low-light environments, such as bedrooms.

To mitigate these effects, specialists recommend the ‘20-20-20 rule’: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds. Other advice includes maintaining proper screen distance—roughly 50cm for computers and 30cm for mobile devices—and ensuring adequate lighting to reduce glare and eye muscle fatigue.