How Digital Evolution Affects Eye Health and Common Eye Diseases
In recent decades, our lifestyle has changed radically, influenced by technology, the ever-increasing use of digital devices and growing urbanization. This evolution mainly concerns our social and work behaviors, but it also affects our health. While it is clear that a more sedentary lifestyle and greater pollution can contribute to the greater incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, not everyone thinks about eye health. Our eyes are getting used to a new way of life, which puts them under a lot of stress.
What are the pathologies linked to the massive use of screens and other modern habits and how can they be addressed? Dr. Federico Badalà, with his thirty-year experience at an international level in eye surgery and care, today medical director of the Micro Chirurgia Oculare clinic, with offices in Milan and Catania, tells us about them.
Eyes and Screens, Today’s Work Disorders
The tertiary sector is, today, the sector in which the majority of people of working age are employed: this is confirmed by data from Confcommercio, from the latest Tertiary and Work Observatory, according to which between 2019 and 2023 there were 2.6 million more workers in Italy, of which almost 78% belong to the market tertiary sector, equal to 2 million. Employees, entrepreneurs or freelancers, those who deal with services today work constantly in contact with technology, in closed environments. What does this mean for sight?
Keratoconus and Computer Work
“Keratoconus is a degenerative disease of the cornea that seems to particularly affect computer workers. The habit of rubbing the eyes to relieve the discomfort caused by dryness or fatigue can worsen the condition, making the cornea increasingly thin and fragile,” explains Badalà. According to some recent studies, the incidence of keratoconus is increasing precisely among office workers and those who constantly use digital devices, such as developers.
Dry eyes and air conditioning
The modern work environment, often controlled by air conditioning systems, further contributes to the deterioration of eye health. Air conditioning dries out the environment and, consequently, our tissues, including our eyes: it reduces the tear film that protects the eye and thus increases the possibility of irritation and photosensitivity. Dry and irritated eyes can lead to greater difficulty in tolerating the light emitted by screens, further aggravating the symptoms of eye strain.
Blue lights, screens and eye strain
In addition to dryness, exposure to blue light from screens has been linked to eye strain. Although many modern devices are equipped with filters that regulate blue light, those who suffer from particular photosensitivity should consider an eye exam, to prevent the problem from becoming chronic or evolving into more serious pathologies.
Not only that, blue light is also responsible for sleep problems and insomnia, as we know, also has negative consequences on vision, in a real vicious circle.
“A small trick that can alleviate visual stress is the use of a black background with white text on smartphones and tablets. This configuration reduces the perceived brightness and tires the eyes less, contributing to a lower energy expenditure by the ocular muscles. Furthermore, it is useful to try to increase the size of the characters, if possible, and not force yourself to read very small writing on the smartphone” advises the doctor.
How the way of seeing changes with the evolution of society
These problems are now essentially endemic and widespread throughout the world, even in places where technology has only recently arrived, subverting traditional rhythms and ways of life and importing behaviors that, on the one hand indicate progress, but on the other also lead to negative consequences for health.
For example, myopia has become a widespread condition in countries such as China and India. This increase is often linked to the reduction in time spent outdoors and the massive use of digital devices by young people. Myopia, in fact, is related to the lack of exposure to natural light and the habit of focusing on close objects for long periods of time, such as when using a smartphone or studying on a PC.
A similar phenomenon is observed in Dubai, where keratoconus is becoming an increasingly common disease. Here the responsibility lies with a combination of air conditioning that is too high and too widespread, along with dust in the air and the tendency to rub the eyes, often unconsciously, in reaction to the irritants just listed.
In addition to adopting conscious and healthy behaviors to prevent eye disorders, it is therefore essential to make regular visits to your trusted ophthalmologist.
“Consulting an expert professional guarantees not only the timely diagnosis of any problems, but also access to cutting-edge treatments for eye care: today, surgery can be used to perform minimally invasive operations that resolve most problems effectively and lastingly,” explains Dr. Badalà. “Entrusting yourself to expert hands is the first step to preserving our ocular health in an increasingly digitalized world.”
