Visual fatigue, a consequence of the use of electronic devices
Visual fatigue, headaches, eye dryness and blurred vision are the most frequent complaints caused by the use of screens. People who use more than 6 hours a day electronic devices are more predisposed to suffer visual annoyances. This is clear from the sociological study carried out by Clínica Baviera, about the Use of electronic devices and visual disturbances.
We use the screens an average of 6 hours a day
Each time we spend more time in front of the screens. Mobile devices, the computer, the tablet ... monopolize our time at work and also our free time. According to the results of this study, the average use of screens is 5.6 hours per day. The working days are used an average of 6 hours, divided into 3.1 for work and 2.9 for leisure, while weekends and holidays are used an average of 5.4 hours, divided in different ways, 4, 1 for leisure and 1.3 for work.
However, the use of these devices varies greatly depending on the profile of the interviewee. Thus, it is women, children under 24 and students who use the devices more actively. It highlights, for example, the data on the use of electronic devices on weekends among young people from 18 to 24 years, more than 7 hours a day, compared to 5.2 hours of use by adults (35 to 55 years old) ) in that same strip.
Hours of use, who uses the screens most?
Depending on the hours of use of electronic devices have been established that are "light user" those who use devices from 1 to 3 hours, "medium user" those who use the screens from 4 to 6 hours a day and "heavy user "those who are in front of digital devices more than 6 hours daily.
The study has concluded that 27.2% of Spaniards are "light users", with an average usage of 2.4 h. per day. 40.1% of Spaniards are "medium users", with an average usage of 5 h. per day. And 32.7% of Spaniards are "heavy users", with an average use of 9 hours per day.
This means that one third of Spaniards (more than 30%) spend an average of 9 hours a day exposed to screens. Among the heavy users, women stand out with 36%, students with 49%, people who work in a closed place with 38% and people with myopia with 37%.
Visual disturbances and prolonged use of screens
There is a clear correlation between an increase in exposure to electronic devices: smartphones, tablets, computers * and the appearance of visual disturbances. Thus, more than 17% of the interviewees suffer eye fatigue after the use of electronic devices, while almost 13% suffer headaches and more than 12% note eye dryness.
But this data increases among those who use this type of devices more actively (more than 6 hours a day), which is why heavy users have a greater tendency to suffer from eyestrain (26.1%), ocular dryness (17, 9%) and headaches (17.2%)
The study also shows that visual discomfort increases among users of contact lenses and glasses, which are more prone to suffer from eyestrain (28.5%), dry eyes (22.2%) and headaches (21.1%).
Recommendations for the prolonged use of screens
In order to avoid eye discomfort caused by continued exposure to electronic devices, the medical director of Clínica Baviera, Dr. Fernando Llovet, recommends responsible use of them. In addition, it advises "to use them in places with good lighting and without reflections, at a correct distance (about 50 cm), avoid their use when you are very tired, blink frequently to keep the eye hydrated and intersperse periods of rest to change the focus of the vision. "
Nuria de Miguel. Baviera clinic
