The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eye health: What we should know and how to protect ourselves

Digital eye fatigue: New challenges for our eyes

One of the most common problems that have emerged as a result of the pandemic is Digital Eye Strain (DES), also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Symptoms of CVS include:

1. Eye pain: Looking at a screen for long periods of time can cause pain and discomfort in the eyes.
2. Dry eyes: Staring at a screen reduces the frequency of blinking, leading to dry eyes.
3. Blurred vision: Prolonged use of screens can lead to problems with visual acuity.
4. Headaches: Increased eye strain often leads to headaches.
5. Eye fatigue: Eyes become tired and irritated after spending long periods of time in front of a screen.

Dry eye syndrome: The problem of hydration

The pandemic has caused us to spend more time indoors, in air-conditioned or heated rooms, which further affects our eyes. Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) has become more common due to reduced blinking frequency when using digital devices and low indoor humidity. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

1. Burning and itching: Eyes may feel burning or itching.
2. Foreign body sensation: A feeling as if something is in the eye, even though nothing is there.
3. Excessive tearing: Paradoxically, dry eyes can lead to excessive tearing as the body tries to moisten the eyes.
4. Redness: Eyes may be red and irritated.

How to protect eye health in the age of pandemics?

To protect our eyes from the negative effects of prolonged use of digital devices, it is worth implementing some simple but effective habits:

1. The 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule is one of the simplest, yet most effective methods of preventing digital eye fatigue. It involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes of working in front of a screen and looking at something at least 20 feet (about 6 meters) away. This allows the eye muscles to rest and reduces the risk of fatigue.

2. Proper lighting

Adequate lighting in the workplace is crucial for eye health. The screens of digital devices should be positioned so that no light is reflected on them, and the lighting in the room should be even. Avoid direct sunlight on the screen, as this can cause glare and further fatigue the eyes.

3. Work ergonomics

Make sure the computer screen is set at eye level or slightly below, and the distance from the screen is about 50-70 cm. Ergonomic workplace positioning helps reduce eye and neck strain, which is especially important when working remotely for long periods of time.

4. Taking regular breaks

Taking regular breaks from the screen is key. Stand up, stretch, take a short walk every hour. This will not only help your eyes, but also improve your overall mood and concentration.

5. Moisturize your eyes

Use moisturizing drops to prevent dry eyes, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Also remember to blink regularly, which helps moisturize your eyes naturally.

6. Regular eye examinations

Regular eye exams are extremely important, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Early detection of vision problems can prevent them from getting worse. Optometrists can also recommend special glasses for computer work that reduce glare and improve vision.

Ending

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many challenges, including an increased risk of eye health problems. Digital eye fatigue and dry eye syndrome are just some of the problems we may face in the age of remote work and online learning. Implementing simple habits such as the 20-20-20 rule, proper lighting, ergonomic workspace positioning, regular breaks and keeping our eyes hydrated can significantly improve the comfort and health of our eyes.

Let's remember that our eyes are an invaluable tool that helps us not only at work, but also in everyday life. Taking care of their health should be our priority so that we can enjoy good quality vision for many years to come. Regular eye examinations and awareness of risks are the key to maintaining eye health in the age of digital reality.