As the digital age continues to develop and change, screen time has become the most important factor of a student’s life. From online classes to social media and gaming, students are spending a lot of time glued to screens. Yes, technology has improved educational experiences but also brings forth a concerning side effect, which is an increase in vision problems that calls for a need of spectacles.
Everything started escalating from the Covid-19 pandemic, where everything moved from physical to virtual. Meaning students had to shift from traditional classes to virtual environments, and according to a 2021 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average screen time for children and adolescents increased by more than 50% during the pandemic. This rise in screen exposure has had a direct impact on their eye health.
Interestingly, the influence of screen time on the youth’s eyes begins even before formal schooling. Kids start being glued to their screens from an early age, technology such as tablets, smartphones and educational apps are becoming common in many households and serve as digital babysitters. We understand how powerful these tools are for learning, but prolonged exposure is not ideal for developing eyes.
A new word, ZOOM fatigue, initially meant to describe the mental exhaustion from excessive video conferencing is now also being used to refer to eye strain and discomfort experienced by students who spend long hours on virtual platforms for meetings, constantly focus their eyes during online classes and have reduced physical interaction.
The link between screen time and vision problems
Prolonged screen time is associated with different vision problems, commonly known as Digital Eye Strain (DES) or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Symptoms are:
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Focus difficulty
This is because the blue light received from the screens is harmful as it always leads to eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns.
Recent research suggests that the increased use of digital devices is also contributing to a rise in myopia (nearsightedness) among students. A study published in The Lancet in 2022 projected that by 2050, nearly half of the global population will be myopic, with the highest prevalence among children and adolescents in developed countries, largely due to screen time and reduced outdoor activities.
One fascinating thing about this eye crisis is the “near work” theory. It says that activities that require a close-up focus, like reading on a screen, can worsen the progression of myopia. This has led to a modern conflict stating; while technology connects students to a world of knowledge, it is also contributing to a literal narrowing of their vision focus which will make the world around them blurrier without corrective lenses.
Optometrist’s reports
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of students needing spectacles. Optometrists have reported a jump in the prescription of glasses, especially those addressing myopia and eye strain. This is not only seen in urban areas, but rural areas where there is less digital parity.
In response, eyewear brands are catering more to the younger demographics by offering stylish and customizable frames that students love. Also, there is a rise of “smart glasses” that is interesting, these glasses are equipped with blue light filtering technology and augmented reality features that aims to provide both vision correction and a tech-savvy edge.
A look into the future
The long-term implications of increased screen time on eye health are still being studied, but the current trends are concerning because continuous exposure to screens without taking breaks may lead to more severe vision problems in the future. To limit these risks, eye health professionals recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, students should take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Additionally, increasing outdoor activities and reducing non-essential screen time can help maintain better eye health.
We cannot ignore this matter. As remote learning and digital devices become more ingrained in education, it is important to prioritize eye health by promoting regular eye check-ups, encouraging healthy screen habits and educating students on the importance of protecting their vision. Whether it’s through stylish new eyewear, innovative apps or simple lifestyle changes, there are plenty of ways to keep our students seeing clearly, and maybe even looking forward to their next pair of smart glasses.
Story Submitted: Twelve Marketing Inc
