Increased screen time during lockdown hurting eye health
A survey by Alcon found that an increase of screen time during the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may be hurting eye health.
In the survey of more than 1000 adults in the United States, 80% said their screen time has increased, and amongst those who had an increase in screen time, 60% said they were concerns about the impact it will have on their eyes, with 45% reporting that their eyes feel dry as a result of increased screen use.
“I’ve recently seen a growing number of patients who suffer from dry eye and eye strain issues linked to extra screen time and less blinking,” Dr. Scott Schachter, OD, founder of the private practice Advanced Eyecare in Pismo Beach, California, said in a company news release. “Dry Eye Awareness Month is the perfect time to educate patients on the signs and symptoms of dry eye—including fluctuating vision, burning or irritated eyes—and remind them about caring for their eyes. Simple habits like taking breaks every 20 minutes and looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds, and using an over-the-counter eye drop for an added boost of hydration, like the Systane family, can help dry eye sufferers find relief.”
Read the full press release here.
