Vision is a very complex act, related to all aspects of life and to both the physical and mental functioning of the person.
Therefore, visual disorders have a double aspect: on the one hand, pathological disorders and the influence of the environment can cause visual difficulties; on the other, visual problems can affect other functions of the individual.
In this article I will discuss how the habits of the new technological civilization are affecting vision and what tools we have at our disposal to preserve it. In the natural environment, vision is at the service of survival. Its main functions are to explore the environment to detect possible dangers and search for food.
To accomplish these tasks efficiently, the eyes are in constant motion and monitor space through peripheral vision. Central vision is used occasionally to identify and locate the object being observed.
On the other hand, the duration and intensity of light that the eye can withstand is limited. It is essential to respect the circadian rhythm and prevent light impressions from exceeding certain limits.
Today's visual requirements have changed profoundly due to the widespread use of electronic devices, both at work and for leisure. This activity significantly reduces eye movements, limited to small movements within screens -almost non-existent on mobile phones- and practically eliminates peripheral vision.
The working distance is mainly short, which forces the eyes to maintain different degrees of convergence for prolonged periods. In addition, exposure to intense light sources is almost constant, often without respecting night rest, and the time of daytime vision is extended into the night.
All of this has consequences for eye health that we can summarize as follows:
- Lack of eye mobility: It generates poor muscle activity, with less oxygenation and renewal of internal fluids, weakening the retina and other ocular structures.
- Decreased peripheral vision: its lack of use functionally reduces the visual field, even off-screen.
- Central vision overload: Sustained use causes oxidative stress in the macular region.
- Constant close focus: It can cause accommodation spasm (possible origin of myopia), lens rigidity (predisposition to cataracts), and contracture of the medial rectus muscles, with the consequent risk of future limitation of ocular motility.
- Decreased flicker: To maintain attention, the blinking frequency is reduced, which causes dry eyes.
- Continuous exposure to intense white light: It depletes the retina, keeps the photoreceptors in permanent depolarization and promotes the formation of free radicals that can cause retinal degeneration and cataracts.
- Alteration of the circadian rhythm: represents an added overload of light exposure for the eye.
Given this, the need to promote healthy habits that compensate for the visual impairment induced by the increasingly extensive use of screens is evident.
The objectives of the visual salutogenesis They are: activating eye movement, recovering peripheral vision, stimulating distance vision, unloading the macula, increasing the frequency of blinking and reducing excess brightness.
Tools to preserve visual health
During the activity:
- Reduce the brightness of the wallpaper as much as possible, maintaining good contrast.
- Remember to blink often.
- Raise your gaze regularly and move it around the environment with smooth, wide eye movements; alternate your gaze between objects located at different distances.
- If possible, go outside and look at the sky for a few moments, especially if it is blue.
- Rub your hands to warm them and cover your eyes with them, with your elbows resting on the table; maintain this position for a few minutes, enjoying the darkness and warmth.
- Use moisturizing drops if necessary.
- Carry out vision therapy sessions to learn exercises that help work on peripheral vision and eye mobility.
The use of electronic visual terminals is now unavoidable in our daily lives. Like any innovation, it brings great benefits but also undesirable effects. In this case, the deterioration of the visual system.
To preserve visual function without giving up the technological advantages, it is necessary to learn to use it responsibly and introduce healthy habits that allow the eye to recover from excessive work.
Bibliography:
1- Marie, N., & Bodack, I. (2007). Vision therapy in an adult sample
2- American Optometric Association. Computer Vision syndrome. https://www.aoa.org/ 3- Arias, A., Bernal, N., and Camacho, L. (2017). Effects of electronic devices on the visual system. Mexican Journal of Ophthalmology, 91(2).
4- Camacho M. (2011). Visual training techniques. In González G (Ed). Visual therapy and training: a comprehensive view. (pp. 75 – 86) Bogotá: Unisalle.
5- Echeverri, S., Giraldo, D., Lozano, L., Mejía, P., Montoya, L., and Vásquez, E. (2012) Computer vision syndrome: a review of its causes and prevention potential. Revista ces public health, 3(2), 193-201
6- García, A., and García, L. (2010). Factors associated with computer vision syndrome. Andean Research, 12(20), pp. 42-52.
7- Ichhpujani, P., Foulsham, W., and Thakur, S. (2019). Visual implications of digital device usage in school children: a cross-sectional study. Bmc ophthalmology. 19 (76), pp. 6-11.
8- Marlon, M., Asghar, H., and Nalbandian, A. (2017). Visual consequences of electronic reader use: a pilot study. Int ophthalmol. 37(2), pp. 433–439.
9- Medrano, M. (2009) Accommodative state in computer users: optometric management. Journal of science and technology for visual and ocular health, 7(1), pp. 83-93.
10- Dr. Armadá: "The use of mobile phones and computers causes visual fatigue" https://www.hsfda.com/dr-armada-el-uso-de-moviles-consolas-y-ordenadoresproduce-fatiga-visual/
11- Rafael José Pérez Cambrodí: "Poca light, interior patios and a lot of screen... how does confinement affect your view". https://verne.elpais.com/verne/2020/03/24/articulo/1585050777_506055.html
12- Mireia Pacheco: This is how the screens affect the little ones https://www.abc.es/contentfactory/post/2020/01/31/asi-afectan-laspantallas-a-los-mas-pequenos/
13- PHYSIOPATHOLOGY OF OCULOMOTOR BALANCE José PEREA. Ed Brosmac SL; 2011
14- The mechanisms of vision. Bibliothèque pour la Science; 1989
15- Neuropsychology of vision. Henry Hecaen. Ed. Freemason; 1972
