The global COVID-19 pandemic has certainly elicited changes in just about every avenue of life. Through evolving conditions and recommendations, countless individuals have taken various measures to ensure their safety, health, financial stability, and wellness. While many people focus on the most obvious wellness-related considerations during this time, proactive eye health is more important than ever. Countless adults are adjusting to work-from-home positions. Similarly, most students are engaging in digital learning. These conditions, amongst others, require additional consideration to be paid to ensure long-term eye health. Tom Chang MD, Managing Partner of Acuity Eye Group, lends helpful tips for eye health during the pandemic.
Tom Chang MD on Managing Digital Eye Strain
Mobile phones, digital devices, and televisions continue to play important roles in the lives of countless individuals. Thus, digital eye strain is a growing concern amongst many populations. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, managing digital eye strain was already a concern for many tech-reliant individuals. Now, as individuals are relying more on technology for occupational and entertainment use during the pandemic, digital eye strain is becoming increasingly prominent.
Tom Chang MD points out that digital eye strain is a blanket term to describe eye and vision concerns associated with the long-term use of technological tools. These can include smartphones, computers, e-readers, tablets, and other devices. While symptoms and manifestations can vary from person to person, they often include blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes. Dr. Chang points out that there are simple tools for managing digital eye strain proactively. Additionally, there are many ways to treat symptoms and create optimal conditions.
To prevent the onset of symptoms, Tom Chang MD suggests following the popular 20/20/20 rule. While utilizing digital devices, he recommends taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to let eyes focus on non-digital surfaces. He recommends looking at an object roughly 20 feet away in the distance. In order to avoid dry eyes, Chang also recommends making a concerted effort to blink consistently.
Additionally, Tom Chang MD touts the potential of specialized blue-light blocking glasses. Those who require eyeglasses for regular vision correction may also benefit from adding blue-light blocking technologies to their glasses or lenses. Tom Chang MD also reinforces the importance of ensuring that prescriptions for corrective lenses are regularly checked for optimal viewing. Lenses that are not accurate may exacerbate digital eye strain issues, forcing the eyes to work harder to view screens.
Setting Up Digital Spaces For Eye Health
In order to avoid the possible onset of digital eye strain, Tom Chang MD suggests taking note of digital space setups. Though work-from-home and digital learning areas may be limited by space, there are several ways to ensure they can be set up for optimal eye comfort and viewing.
When positioning computers and other devices, eye health experts like Dr. Chang recommend being able to look downward at the screen. This requires placing a computer about 4 to 5 inches below eye level, and about 20 to 28 inches away from the screen. For most people, placing a laptop on a table or desk, and sitting upright on a standard chair will offer an appropriate positioning. Avoiding glare is also an integral way to create a comfortable viewing experience. This can be done by moving screens away from direct sunlight, using drapes, or using low-light desk lamps.
Get Some Distance From Blue Light
Countless individuals are relying primarily on virtual connection more during the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. Whether for educational purposes, vocational success, or pure entertainment, screens are getting more daily use than ever. Thus, in order to mitigate potential overuse, Dr. Chang recommends unplugging when possible.
At the end of the work or school day, Tom Chang MD suggests taking a break to partake in an activity that doesn't require digital device usage. From engaging in socially distant hikes to cooking an intricate meal, unplugged activities can help refresh the eyes. Besides countless overall wellness benefits, unplugged activities can be helpful for maintaining ocular health.
To eliminate nighttime temptation, Dr. Chang recommends removing devices from bedrooms or enlisting the assistance of "night time" modes. These proactive measures will reduce or eliminate nighttime blue light exposure. There has been a lot written about "blue light" lenses and Dr. Chang believes that the jury is still out on this. The literature is still not conclusive and it seems more and more to be a marketing discussion at this point. Judicious management of screen use in general is better than finding a "special lens" to address issues.
Masks And Eyes
Wearing masks in public is mandated by many cities, and the practice is widely spread throughout the country. Various leading medical institutions have regularly provided updated information regarding the effects of wearing face masks. However, through the spread of misinformation, people may be at risk of believing mask myths regarding safety and efficacy.
By wearing masks in public, wearers minimize the spread of their own respiratory droplets, thus minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19. Some people believe that they do not need to wear a mask if they are "not feeling sick". However, it has become abundantly clear that COVID-19 can be spread amongst asymptomatic individuals. Thus, it is integral for all people to wear a mask around others.
In terms of eye health, wearing a mask shouldn't propagate discomfort that outweighs the benefits of wearing the mask. Wearing a face mask can reduce the spread of air away from the mouth, and into the air. This air disperses upward, creating a stream of air over the surface of the eyes. This can accelerate the evaporation of the tear film, potentially leading to slight dry eye conditions. In order to mitigate this potential symptom, Tom Chang MD recommends a few simple tips.
Mask wearers should ensure a proper fit, ensuring that masks don't have a loose fit at the nose. Wearers can even consider taping the top edge of masks. Using lubricating eye drops can also be helpful for mask wearers who spend elongated periods of time in public. There is still much to learn about COVID-19 itself, prohibitive measures, and treatment. However, mask-wearing is an integral way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Dr Chang does recommend wearing eye glasses as well as masks just for some form of barrier protection against aerosolized virus particles. "I only need reading glasses but tend to keep them on most of the day as I see patients" says Chang.
Final Thoughts
Social distancing, evolving hygiene and safety recommendations, and changing restrictions have changed daily life for countless individuals. As a result, many are considering proactive ways to ensure their overall wellness, safety, and health during these unprecedented times. These considerations should include proactive eye health. Tom Chang MD, Managing Partner of Acuity Eye Group, encourages all individuals to take a proactive approach to ocular wellness. With the increased use of digital devices for educational, vocational, and recreational purposes, Dr. Chang touts the importance of long-term eye health. By following his simple tips, individuals can ensure overall ocular wellness, minimize potential symptoms, and offset evolving challenges.
