Nowadays, many people spend five to ten hours a day in front of various devices, leading to an increase in cases of digital eye strain. Pediatric ophthalmologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Professor Igor Aznauryan, who heads the Union of Children's Eye Clinics "Clear Vision," discussed how to minimize the negative effects of working on a computer and maintain eye health in an interview with Lenta.ru.
According to the expert, many gadget users complain of symptoms such as redness of the eyes, dryness, and blurriness of vision by evening. These manifestations, he says, indicate eye fatigue and require a reassessment of habits related to screen work.
One of the most effective preventive methods is the "20-20-20" rule: every 20 minutes, one should take a break and look at an object 20 steps away for 20 seconds. This helps relax the ciliary muscle, which experiences tension during prolonged concentration on the screen, potentially leading to accommodation spasm.
Proper organization of the workspace also plays a key role. The optimal distance from the eyes to the monitor should be 50–70 centimeters, and the center of the screen should be positioned 15–20 degrees below eye level. These recommendations are especially important for children, whose visual systems are still developing.
Additionally, studies show that using smartphones with a screen diagonal of less than seven inches increases the risk of myopia by one and a half times compared to working on a desktop computer.
The ophthalmologist also noted that caring for vision is impossible without overall body strengthening. Adequate sleep, a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and regular physical activity contribute to improved blood circulation and nutrition for the eyes. Walks in the fresh air and maintaining optimal humidity in indoor spaces are also beneficial to prevent dryness and irritation of the eyes.
Previously, ophthalmologist Svetlana Petukhova reminded that accessible foods such as carrots, pumpkin, apples, and rose hips are important for maintaining eye health.
