Excessive Screen Time Strains Vision Among Young Adults

Excessive screen time is increasingly damaging the vision of young adults, becoming a notable public health issue. Individuals in their 20s and 30s, including professionals like Ms Ho Hui Yi, who manages partnerships in a fintech company, report experiencing eye strain and discomfort from prolonged exposure to digital devices. Ms Ho, 33, has worn glasses since childhood due to myopia and astigmatism, and her daily routine involves extensive use of multiple screens. She has noticed symptoms such as itchy, dry eyes and occasional blurred vision, prompting her to rely on various remedies, including eye drops and supplements.

Similarly, Mr Viaano Spruyt, a 28-year-old tech startup co-founder, spends up to 16 hours a day in front of screens. He has experienced worsening symptoms over the past two years, including blurred vision and insomnia. Diagnosed with astigmatism five years ago, he learned that his work habits were exacerbating his condition. “The constant close-up work with digital screens was worsening the astigmatism,” he said, emphasizing the need for better screen management.

Mr Mark Yeow, 35, who founded a digital agency, also faced challenges related to eye health, managing glaucoma alongside chronic eye strain and tension headaches. His decision to leave a full-time job was influenced by the strain long computer hours placed on his vision. “I was always worried about whether I was trading my sight for a paycheck,” he explained.

These experiences highlight a broader trend among younger individuals. According to optometrists and ophthalmologists, there has been a notable increase in younger patients presenting symptoms typically seen in older adults. Conditions such as digital eye strain and early-onset presbyopia are becoming common. Previously expected only in those over 40, presbyopia is now emerging in individuals as young as their mid-30s.

Digital Eye Strain on the Rise

Professor Cheng Ching-Yu, director of the Centre for Innovation and Precision Eye Health at the National University of Singapore, pointed out that modern lifestyles are significantly impacting eye health. “Digital eye strain, early-onset presbyopia, and dry eye syndrome are influenced not only by aging but also by prolonged screen exposure and reduced outdoor time,” he noted. The phenomenon of digital eye strain manifests as fatigue, dry or itchy eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. While these symptoms may seem minor, doctors warn that the cumulative effects can severely impact long-term eye health.

The lack of recent national data on digital eye strain in Singapore makes it challenging to quantify the issue. However, international studies suggest that symptoms are increasingly common among younger age groups worldwide. Some estimates indicate that between 5 and 65 percent of individuals globally experience symptoms of digital eye strain. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, research focusing on students revealed that over half reported similar issues.

Dr Daphne Han, medical director at the LSC Eye Clinic, confirmed that the trend is evident across various demographics. “Patients of all age groups present with complaints of dry and tired eyes, commonly associated with prolonged use of digital devices,” she stated. The impact of digital eye strain extends across professions, affecting IT workers, finance professionals, students, and even homemakers.

The rise in digital eye strain symptoms is also reflected in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices. Dr Jolene Chong, a TCM physician specializing in eye health, has observed a significant increase in young adults presenting with symptoms like dry, gritty eyes and sensitivity to light. “Prolonged screen use depletes the liver’s blood and the kidneys’ yin, which nourish the eyes,” she explained.

The Growing Concern of Myopia

The same behaviors contributing to digital eye strain among adults are also leading to an increase in early-onset myopia in children. Dr Han noted that her clinic is seeing preschool-aged children presenting with signs of myopia, often linked to excessive screen time. Data from the Singapore National Eye Centre 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, head of the myopia unit at the Singapore Eye Research Institute, explained that myopia is primarily influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, including excessive near work and insufficient outdoor activity. The average onset of myopia in Singapore is around 8.5 years, with some children developing it as early as two or three. High myopia, defined as worse than -6 diopters, poses serious long-term risks, including glaucoma and cataracts.

Parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s vision. For instance, entrepreneur Chen Weiwen shared that her son developed myopia at five, and his prescription has since escalated. “The biggest challenge is not knowing how bad it can get,” she expressed, highlighting the long-term implications of worsening eyesight.

As refractive surgery options like Lasik become more popular for correcting vision, experts caution that these procedures do not address the underlying causes of myopia or digital eye strain. Dr David Chen, an ophthalmology consultant at the National University Hospital, stated that while Lasik corrects vision, it does not mitigate the anatomical risks associated with myopia. “Patients need to be more mindful of good eye care habits,” he advised.

Addressing the Public Health Challenge

The rising prevalence of digital eye strain and myopia has prompted calls for greater public awareness and preventive measures. Experts advocate for the implementation of school-based screenings and public health campaigns aimed at educating communities about eye health. They suggest that eye health should receive the same level of attention as obesity or heart disease.

Lifestyle interventions remain crucial. The “20-20-20” rule—looking at something six meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help alleviate strain. Additionally, reducing screen glare, adjusting lighting, and ensuring adequate breaks can significantly improve eye comfort. Dr Han emphasized the importance of regular eye checks and the need for individuals to adopt good screen habits.

In conclusion, the challenges posed by excessive screen time and its impact on eye health require collective efforts from individuals, families, and society. As Professor Cheng remarked, “Your device is both a boon and a bane. Use it wisely, and make time for the great outdoors.”