Overuse of Smart Phones and Other Mobile Devices Can Damage Your Eyes; Report

Overuse of Smart Phones and Other Mobile Devices Can Damage Your Eyes; Report
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Edits by MNI Alive

Release Date

Sunday, April 13, 2014

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The BBC is reporting that opticians are concerned that overexposure to light from electronic devices, such as smart phones could increase the risk of eye problems. This warning comes after a survey of 2,000 people suggests that under-25s check their phones up to 32 times a day.

According to the BBC, they are warning that overuse of devices like tablets, computers, and flat screen TVs can lead to long-term damage.

The survey, commissioned by a group of independent opticians, found that on average an adult spends nearly seven hours a day staring at a screen, with nearly half feeling anxious when away from their phone.

Statistics also suggest that 43 percent of under-25s experience genuine irritation or anxiety when they can't check their phones at will.

It also found that 55 percent felt the amount of screen time they're exposed to affects them, with eye discomfort the main problem

According to optician Andy Hepworth: "Blue-violet light is potentially hazardous and toxic to the back of your eyes.

"So over a long period of time it can potentially damage your eyes.

"When you're looking at a smart phone, the light peaking out of that is blue-violet."

Hepworth says that tests have found that over exposure to blue-violet light has the potential to put us at greater risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

Opticians note that, although "good" blue light (blue-turquoise) is needed to help regulate biological clocks, it is also thought that extensive exposure to blue-violet light can disrupt sleep patterns and affect moods.

"Although we don't know if there's a direct link with it creating eye problems, there is strong lab evidence it can potentially do that," Hepworth added.

"It's the combination of not blinking enough and bringing the device closer than you normally look at objects – it strains your eyes."

Amanda Saint, another optician, says the advice is simple.

"Get your eyes tested regularly and take regular breaks from your computer and hand held device."

Source: BBC News


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