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| - Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims that smartphone vision syndrome can lead to blindness. We did a thorough fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
As per an Instagram post, there’s a disease spreading which can cause direct blindness due to smartphone vision syndrome. The person in the video says that using smartphone in the dark can lead to smartphone vision syndrome or digital eye strain, and this can eventually lead to blindness.
Fact Check
What is smartphone vision syndrome?
Smartphone vision syndrome is also called digital eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It is an amalgamation of eye and vision-related issues developing from the extended use of digital screens, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. The smartphone vision syndrome symptoms include eye discomfort, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and pain in the neck and shoulders. These problems are mostly due to glare from the screen, lighting, wrong viewing distance, plus prolonged use of the screen without breaks.
Do phones actually affect your eyesight?
Yes, prolonged use of smartphones can affect your eyesight, but not in the way claimed. All these symptoms are generally temporary in nature and do not have a potential to cause permanent damage.
A news from February 2023 has been going viral, implying that smartphone use in the dark can lead to blindness. However, this is being shared out of context. The woman in Hyderabad experienced temporary vision issues due to excessive smartphone use at night. When she stopped using her phone for prolonged hours, especially at night, her vision returned to normal.
Does smartphone vision syndrome lead to permanent vision loss?
No, not really. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that smartphone vision syndrome can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. Digital eye strain can cause temporary discomfort and visual disturbances. But, it does not result in permanent damage to the eyes. The symptoms of digital eye strain are generally reversible with proper eye care, reduced screen time and lifestyle adjustments.
A 2022 review on artificial blue light safety highlights that while blue light from digital devices can cause photochemical damage to the retina under certain conditions, the levels emitted by these devices are generally below safe viewing limits. The long-term effects of chronic exposure to low-illuminance blue light remain uncertain, with ongoing debate about its impact on eye health and circadian rhythms. Studies suggest that blue light may influence eye strain and sleep patterns. But, we need more research to understand the cumulative effects and develop appropriate safety guidelines.
We checked with Dr Isha Agarwalla, an Ophthalmologist, from Drishti Netralaya, Dibrugarh, Assam, whether Smartphone vision syndrome can lead to permanent blindness or not. She states, “While prolonged exposure to blue light from smartphones and other digital devices can cause discomfort and contribute to digital eye strain, it does not lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. The symptoms of digital eye strain, such as headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision, are generally temporary and can be managed with proper eye care and lifestyle adjustments. It’s important to take regular breaks, use proper lighting, and adjust screen settings to reduce eye strain.”
Dr Aftab Alam, an Ophthalmologist, says, “Blue lights from most modern day gadgets do not harm eyes. So, blue cut lenses don’t provide any extra benefits. However, continuous exposure to blue lights may disturb our sleep cycle. From that perspective, using blue cut lenses may help you stay protected or sleep better.”
What are the most common causes of smartphone vision syndrome?
The common causes of smartphone vision syndrome include prolonged screen time, poor lighting conditions, improper viewing distances, and lack of regular breaks. These factors can strain the eyes and lead to symptoms of digital eye strain.
How does blue light from screens affect eye health?
Blue light, particularly between 415 and 455 nm, can penetrate the eye and cause damage to the retina, leading to visual fatigue and other symptoms. You get more blue light from the sun than from screens. Sunlight is the largest source of blue light, while screens, fluorescent lights, and LED bulbs provide much less. The blue light from screens is not more harmful than the blue light from the sun. Prolonged exposure can worsen nearsightedness and disrupt circadian rhythms by suppressing the production of melatonin. This eventually affects sleep. Studies have shown that blue light increases oxidative stress and inflammation in eye cells, contributing to conditions like dry eyes and cataracts. However, there is no conclusive evidence that blue light from screens causes permanent eye damage.
To protect yourself from blue light, especially at night, consider using dim red lights for night lighting, as red light is less likely to disrupt your circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin production. Avoid looking at bright screens at least two to three hours before bed. If you need to use electronic devices at night or work night shifts, wear blue-blocking glasses or install apps that filter blue/green wavelengths. During the day, expose yourself to plenty of bright light to improve your mood, alertness, and sleep quality at night.
Research from The University of Toledo, conducted in vitro, found that blue light exposure causes retinal molecules to generate toxic chemicals that kill photoreceptor cells, which are essential for vision. This damage is irreversible as these cells do not regenerate. Protective measures include using blue-light filters on devices and wearing sunglasses that block UV and blue light. However, the author of the study also said that the study does not show that light from mobile devices or other digital screens causes blindness. And, whether blue light from these sources induces similar toxicity levels is still unanswered.
How to prevent CVS?
Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome involves adopting some good practices like:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps to reduce eye strain.
- Adjust screen settings: Ensure that the brightness and contrast of your screen are at comfortable levels. Adjust text size for easy reading.
- Use proper lighting: Avoid using digital devices in the dark. Ensure that the room is well-lit to reduce glare and reflections on the screen.
- Maintain proper posture: Sit comfortably with your back supported and feet flat on the ground. The screen should be at eye level and at an arm’s length distance.
- Blink frequently: Blinking helps to keep your eyes moist and prevent dryness.
- Use artificial tears: If you experience dry eyes, over-the-counter artificial tears can help to keep your eyes lubricated.
THIP Media Take
The claim that smartphone vision syndrome can lead to blindness is mostly false. Prolonged smartphone use can cause digital eye strain and discomfort. But, there is no evidence to support that it can result in permanent vision loss or blindness. Following good practices such as the 20-20-20 rule, adjusting screen settings, ensuring proper lighting, and an appropriate diet for healthy eyesight can reduce eye strain and make your eyes healthy. False claims and information with missing context on social media has made people think whether blue light from electronic devices can increase the risks of blindness and can smartphone usage in the dark lead to eye cancer! These claims remain unsubstantiated and misleading. Therefore, it is necessary to always rely on leading health organisations and ophthalmologists for correct eye health information.
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