Digital display and dry eye warning from experts

As digital screens have become an integral part of life, their negative effects on eye health become more evident day by day.

Ophthalmology Specialist Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven and Assoc. Prof. from the Eye Department of Sultangazi Haseki Training and Research Hospital. Dr. Burcu Yakut made important warnings against the dry eye problem caused by long-term use of computers, tablets and smartphones. Experts emphasized that screen addiction, which extends to childhood, causes discomfort such as burning, stinging, redness and sandiness that reduce the quality of life.

THE NUMBER OF BLINKS DECREASES TO 5 PER MINUTE

Stating that dry eyes occur due to insufficiency or deterioration of tear secretion, Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven stated that the time spent in front of the screen directly affects the blink reflex. Coşkunseven emphasized that the blink reflex, which occurs 15-20 times per minute under normal conditions, decreases to 5 when using screens, and gave the following information:

"The amount of eye closure is so important that we renew the tears and lubricate them every time we open and close our eyes. Of course, air conditioners, cold weather, stress and some medications used are also very effective. However, with the use of tablets, phones and computers, we now encounter dry eyes in many of our 35-year-old patients. 3 out of 10 patients come to us with serious dry eye complaints. We should reduce screen use to a certain limit and return to social life and sports."

"IT IS SEEN IN 70 PERCENT OF POLYCLINIC PATIENTS"

Assoc. Prof. stated that the cases increased significantly with the increase in screen exposure. Dr. Burcu Yakut noted that 60-70 percent of the patients who applied to the clinic experienced dry eye complaints. Pointing out that complaints of burning, stinging and redness, as well as blurred vision, are becoming more common, Yakut said:

"When we look at the screen, our blink reflex decreases. When we do not cover it completely, the oil component in the tears is not renewed and our tears evaporate faster. This causes dry eyes, even in children. We would like to remind you of the 20-20 rule when looking at the screen; it is extremely important to rest our eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes and pay attention to blinking more frequently. In addition, the screen level should be slightly below our eye level."

Experts state that dry eye treatment is a gradual process and that lifestyle changes and artificial tear drops are sufficient in mild stages; He reminded that for complaints that do not go away, an ophthalmologist should be consulted without delay to investigate other underlying health problems.