Excessive Screen Time Linked to Rising Eye Health Crisis

A significant rise in eye health issues is emerging as excessive screen time becomes a public health concern. Young adults, once thought to be less affected by vision problems, are reporting symptoms traditionally associated with older generations. This shift is exemplified by the experiences of individuals like Ho Hui Yi, a 33-year-old marketing professional who has battled myopia since childhood. Her daily routine involves long hours in front of various screens, leading to persistent eye discomfort, including dryness and occasional blurred vision.

At a similar crossroads is Viaano Spruyt, a 28-year-old tech startup co-founder, who spends 14 to 16 hours daily engaged with digital devices. He has faced significant challenges, including migraines and insomnia, exacerbated by his pre-existing astigmatism. “The constant close-up work with digital screens worsened my condition,” he explained. His experiences underscore a broader trend affecting younger workers across various industries.

These personal accounts reflect a growing public health issue regarding digital eye strain. Eye care professionals are increasingly seeing younger patients, typically in their 20s and 30s, presenting with complaints that were once common among middle-aged individuals. Mark Yeow, a 35-year-old founder of a digital agency, left a previous job due to the toll long screen hours took on his vision and overall well-being. “I was always worried about whether I was trading my sight for a paycheck,” he stated.

Emerging data indicates that conditions like digital eye strain, early-onset presbyopia, and dry eye syndrome are becoming more prevalent among younger populations. Professor Cheng Ching-Yu, director of the Centre for Innovation and Precision Eye Health at the National University of Singapore, emphasized the connection between prolonged screen exposure and the deterioration of eye health. Once considered an age-related issue, presbyopia is now appearing in patients as young as their mid-30s.

Increasing Incidence of Eye Strain

While Singapore currently lacks comprehensive national data on digital eye strain, international studies suggest a notable increase in symptoms among younger populations globally. Estimates indicate that between 5% and 65% of people worldwide experience some form of digital eye strain. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, research focusing on students has revealed that over half of respondents report similar symptoms.

Digital eye strain manifests as fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, which can accumulate over time and lead to long-term health complications. Dr. Daphne Han, medical director and senior consultant ophthalmologist at LSC Eye Clinic, noted a marked rise in patients across all demographics presenting with these complaints. “Practically anyone can suffer from digital eye strain, whether they are IT professionals, finance workers, students, or even individuals binge-watching late into the night,” she said.

Optometrists are observing similar trends, particularly among office workers. Mr. Lee Kang Lian, president of the Singapore Optometric Association, reported an increase in cases of binocular vision problems and chronic dry eye. “It’s crucial for patients to communicate any symptoms during eye examinations, as these conditions profoundly affect productivity and emotional well-being,” he added.

Long-Term Implications of Myopia

The same behaviours contributing to eye strain in adults are also driving a rise in early-onset myopia among children. Dr. Han remarked that many families are bringing in preschool-aged children concerned about squinting or holding devices too closely. Data from the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) indicates that Singapore has one of the highest rates of myopia globally, with one in five children becoming myopic by age seven.

Professor Saw Seang Mei, leader of the myopia unit at the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), explained that environmental and lifestyle factors, including excessive near work and insufficient outdoor activity, are significant contributors to this trend. “Myopia is primarily a lifelong condition that often begins in childhood,” she stated. The average onset age is around 8.5 years, but it can occur even earlier.

Parents are increasingly aware of the potential long-term consequences of myopia. Entrepreneur Chen Weiwen shared her concern as her 10-year-old son developed myopia at five. “His prescription has increased significantly, and I worry about the risks of retinal detachment and glaucoma,” she said. Similarly, Daphne Ling, a mother of five, noted that despite enforcing strict screen time rules, all her children are myopic.

Potential Solutions and Lifestyle Changes

Considering the rising number of myopia cases, refractive surgeries like Lasik are becoming popular among those seeking to correct their vision. This procedure reshapes the cornea to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, health professionals caution that such procedures do not address the underlying causes of myopia. “Lasik corrects vision but does not mitigate the risk factors associated with myopia,” explained Dr. David Chen, an ophthalmology consultant at National University Hospital (NUH).

Experts recommend lifestyle changes as the first line of defence against eye strain and myopia. Common suggestions include adhering to the “20-20-20” rule—looking at something six metres away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—and ensuring adequate outdoor activity, particularly for children. “Regular eye checks and good screen habits are crucial for long-term eye health,” noted Dr. Han.

As digital lifestyles become increasingly prevalent, addressing the challenge of eye health requires collective effort. Awareness campaigns should elevate eye health to the same level of importance as issues like obesity and heart disease. Long-term solutions will depend on both individual responsibility and systemic changes in workplaces and educational settings.

In summary, as professionals and students navigate a screen-dominated world, it is essential to find a balance that fosters both productivity and eye health.