El misuse by new technologies. It is beginning to generate important health problems. When improper and prolonged use is made, especially in the youngest ones, the development of myopia is accelerating at younger and younger ages. Ophthalmologists agree that around 30% of the visual problems presented by children who come to the consultations are the result of the use of video games and electronic devices.
The abuse of visual exposure to tablets or mobile devices when the ocular apparatus is still in the maturation phase can anticipate the appearance of myopia. This condition occurs when the frequency of blinking decreases compared to the screens of digital devices. If we normally have to blink around 15 times per minute, in front of the computer screen, smartphone or tablet this movement is reduced to between 7 and 10 times per minute. The problem is that after prolonged use, the eye focuses on a specific space for a long time and this leads to the development of visual disturbances. In addition to that, over time, and with the increase in the habit of using them, addiction problems are generated at older ages.
A report prepared by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of the United States warns that 90% of people who use digital devices more than three hours a day will develop visual fatigue syndrome and it is estimated that in 2020 more than 30% of children and adolescents will present myopia as a result of the excessive use of these technologies. In the case of children under six years of age, in which the visual system is still in development, these data are particularly worrisome.
The abuse of visual exposure to tablets or mobile devices when the ocular apparatus is still in the maturation stage can anticipate the appearance of myopia
Ophthalmologists point out that currently the most at-risk children are those who spend the most time indoors, playing indoors with their eyes on the screens. This fact causes your eyesight to spend a long time forced without the possibility of relaxing it. Also, there is a real contrast between urban children and rural children. There are studies that assure that children who live in the city have a higher rate of myopia than those who reside in rural areas and spend more hours outdoors, precisely because of this same issue. The eyes of these children focus longer distances in their environment, and they do not suffer that visual overexertion. In addition, an important fact to note is that this disease cannot be operated until, at least after the age of 20, and its graduation is stable.
In 2020 more than 30% of children and adolescents will present myopia as a result of the excessive use of these technologies
En Canary Islands’s most emblematic landmarks, the 80% of the older population of 50 years suffer from myopia or eyestrain. In total, canaries have a prevalence rate of 44,5%. 2 of each 3 canary of more than 40 years suffers myopia, and the 80% of older than 55 years. Normally, it is a pathology directly related to the natural aging of the eye, so that due to the increase in the life expectancy of the population, its prevalence will increase over the years and could reach the 100% of the older population of 40 years. Apart from the worrying fact of the increase in myopia in childhood.
En CanaryDoctor We want to propose a series of tips for the proper use of electronic devices:
- Keep the device at a good distance from the eyes (30 cm approximately)
- It decreases the level of illumination of the screen.
- Furthermore, a lighting appropriate in the room where you are located can minimize the effect of the screen.
- Limit the daily hours of use of the screens.
- Encourage children to play outside the home and limits the prolonged use of technologies.
