46 | HealthLinksSC.com The American Academy of Ophthalmology further reports: “There is no scientific evidence that the light coming from computer screens is damaging to the eyes.” However, the American Optometric Association is viewing DES from the standpoint that screen time in any form has always contributed to eyestrain and that the incidence of DES is going to rise as screen time increases. Currently, American workers average seven hours a day in electronic screen time. And with more people working from home and attending classes, webinars and consultations online, Dr. Sheppard and others believe that electronic and digital gadgets are the “sole contributor” of DES and computer vision syndrome. “CVS was reported to be 54.6% in call center operators in Sao Paulo, Brazil,” said Mario Ferreira Júnior in a 2023 AOA report on computer vision syndrome. “Studies have shown positive correlation between symptom score reported and the number of hours in front of the computer.” Regardless of which camp science ultimately favors, each side offers comparable solutions and preventives, which include: • For every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away. • Wear contact lenses properly. • Schedule regular eye exams, and check for both nearsightedness and farsightedness. • Take medications as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. • Have surgery when necessary. “Four of my five kids wear glasses,” said Greenville resident Frankie Felder. “But right now, I’m not really concerned that computer screen time will make their conditions worse.” And she could be right – DES is the newest but not the only reason to do something about tired, aching eyes. For example, eyestrain in ancient Egypt often meant a dose of turtle bile in both eyes. In ancient Greece, people used cabbage juice for relief, while during World War II, U.S. production shift workers were advised to wear Tillyer lenses to protect against that exhaustive, nerve-racking “4 o’clock eye fatigue.” All of this happened far before screen time was an issue. Your best bet? Know your own eyes and seek professional relief. “Although DES affects a huge number of individuals, its precise physiological basis remains unclear,” Dr. Sheppard said. “To provide optimum patient care related to the condition, it is essential that eye-care practitioners are well-informed regarding DES and the growing evidence base in this field.” There is some speculative evidence that the more time you spend reading up close and the less time you spend outside, the more kids’ eyes tend to become nearsighted. “ “
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