Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Having your eyes glued to the screens all day takes a toll on the eyes.
This is why experts are stressing the importance of doing eye tests for the early detection of conditions and recommending blue light glasses to ease strain and improve work efficiency.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr. Esmaeil Arbabi, Medical Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, stressed the importance of eye check-ups.
He outlined a recommended schedule: the first check-up should be between six months and one year old, followed by another at ages 3-4 years, before school, and annually until the age of 18 for children.
For adults, he advises check-ups every two years, or more frequently if there are existing eye conditions.
Dr. Arbabi explained that many conditions, like glaucoma and keratoconus, can go undetected until its very late stages.
Regarding blue light exposure, he explained that blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is essential in regulating our sleep cycle.
He noted that exposure to blue light from screens, especially before bedtime, can disrupt melatonin production and affect sleep.
"The main source of blue light is the sun, but the problem arises when we use digital screens at night."
He suggested minimising screen use two hours before sleep and using blue light filters on devices to mitigate this issue.
Dr. Arbabi recommended opting for blue light glasses that block light between 450-500nm, which specifically affects sleep cycles.
For persistent digital eye strain, he said: "We blink less when we are on screens, causing dryness"
He recommended the 20-20-20 rule - every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds - and the use of lubricating drops. Proper screen setup and reducing glare can also help alleviate strain."
He added: "You want to put the screen at the right level... at the upper one-third of the screen, so you're looking down into it."
For children, Dr. Arbabi advised: "It is difficult to ask a child to wear blue light glasses, but you can use night mode or shields on their devices to reduce blue light exposure."
Dr. Imran Ansari, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, also discussed common eye conditions and prevention methods with Aletihad.
He noted how conditions like diabetes can damage the retina, while glaucoma and macular degeneration may cause loss of vision.
Everyone, especially those with hereditary vision loss, and those who frequently using screens, are at risk of suffering from eye strain and discomfort, he said.
Dr. Ansari explained how the modern lifestyle contributes to digital eye strain: "We are sitting in front of computer screens all day, and that exposes us to blue light. Blue light has a shorter wavelength and scatters more easily, which creates visual noise, making your eyes work harder to focus.
"This leads to digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. It is further worsened by poor contrast settings and sitting under unnatural lighting, especially if there are overhead tube lights or LEDs."
He noted that prolonged screen use reduces blinking, causing dry eyes, and explained that while screen time does not cause permanent retinal damage, it can reduce quality of life due to fatigue, poor sleep and blue light's effect on melatonin production.
As a solution for digital eye strain, Dr. Ansari also advised the 20-20-20 rule. It helps relax the focusing muscles. You should also adjust your workspace setup; position screens at eye level, one arm's length away, and use anti-glare screens. It is also important to blink more often, take breaks, and move away from the screen when possible.
He recommended that employers provide ergonomic workstations, blue light filters, and vision screenings while stressing the importance of regular eye exams and managing health conditions like diabetes to detect issues.
