Effects of smartphones on eyes: Dr Somdutt Prasad

In a technology-driven world, smartphones have become an important part of our life. Today, most of us use smartphones to mail, chat, read, watch movies and browse the Internet. However, prolonged use of these gadgets can significantly affect vision. Dr. Somdutt Prasad, a celebrated ophthalmologist and retinal specialist, talks about the impact these phones have on our vision. 

Blue-violet light: Hazardous to eyes

The light coming out from smartphones is blue-violet.Since it has a short wavelength, it is extremely toxic, hazardous and damages the living tissue. Various tests have proved that over-exposure to this light can result in macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness. Exposure to the light at night suppresses melatonin production that affects sleep. In such a scenario, the risk of ailments such as depression and cancer go up. 

Wearing amber glasses while using smartphones at night and using apps limiting the amount of blue-violet light coming out from the screen is a convenient way to limit exposure to this dangerous light.

Holding the device too close to the eyes

Most people hold their smartphones very close to their eyes while reading, browsing and chatting. Combined with not blinking enough, it puts a lot of strain on the eyes resulting in itchiness and headaches. 

When we try reading too close, the eyes have to correct for distance known as accommodation. It also increases the demand for coordination between the two eyes (vergence). All these put excessive pressure on our eyes making us uncomfortable. The ideal distance for holding smartphones is about 1 foot (12 inches).

Tips for protecting eyes from harmful effects of smartphones

In the digital age, we cannot do without smartphones. However, there are certain ways through which we can protect our eyes from their harmful effects. Given below are some handy tips for smartphone users.

1. Never use phones in dark or poorly lit rooms. The sudden burst of light puts a lot of strain on eyes.
2. Avoid looking at phones while sleeping. When we sleep, the pupil relaxes and sudden exposure to light causes eye muscles to retreat. Constantly doing so can lead to refractive errors.
3. Avoid looking at phone screens for long hours. Close your eyes for 3 minutes every 2 hours.

If you experience blurred vision, itchiness or red eyes, consult an eye specialist without any delay. Delaying treatment will only aggravate the problem.