Students should pay attention to protecting their eyes when using electronic products for a long time

In recent years, students' use of electronic devices has significantly increased, leading to the emergence of eye health issues. A survey conducted by Orbis, an international vision aid organization, revealed that nearly half of the 427 students surveyed experienced eye discomfort while using electronic devices, with 10.7% experiencing eye pain. Some even reported experiencing eye inflammation or blurred vision. In response, ophthalmologists have noted that there is currently no scientific evidence that blue light glasses and other related products can slow the progression of myopia in children, and have urged students to strengthen their awareness of eye protection.

Mrs. Zeng, a mother of two daughters, has just entered first grade this year. She revealed that she had previously enrolled her daughters in online interest classes in Chinese, English, and mathematics. Combined with the online teaching courses offered by the school during the school closure, her daughter's daily electronic device usage has increased dramatically from half an hour to 3.5 hours. Fearing that her daughter might develop myopia, Mrs. Zeng purchased blue light glasses, screen filters, and even so-called "blue light pills," hoping to protect her children.eye health.

The experience of Mrs. Tsang's daughter is a microcosm of the living conditions of many students during the school closure. Last month, Orbis conducted an online survey of 427 students, including 212 elementary school students, 121 middle school students, and 31 university students. The survey results showed that 86.4% of respondents reported an increase in the amount of time they spent using electronic devices since the school closure, with 40.9% of them reporting frequent feelings of anxiety while using them.dry eyes, and another 8.6% of students had symptoms of watery eyes.

What is more noteworthy is that the survey also found that studentsEye protection awarenessRelatively weak. Nearly 40% of students surveyed kept screens less than 40 cm from their eyes when using electronic products, a distance far below the scientific standard for eye protection. Furthermore, over 70% of students stated that they did not take a break of at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes while using electronic products, making prolonged eye use extremely common.

Orbis volunteer ophthalmologist Li Wanwei offered professional advice on these eye problems among students. She emphasized the importance of limiting the time spent using electronic products and maintaining an appropriate distance. For every 20 minutes of use, one should look at an object 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds to avoid the risk of worsening myopia or other eye problems. Furthermore, when using electronic products for extended periods, it's important to intentionally blink more frequently. This not only increases tear production but also ensures that tears evenly cover the eye surface, effectively alleviating dry eye symptoms. Dr. Li also emphasized that maintaining a balanced diet is more effective for children's eye health than relying on "blue light pills" or other related nutritional supplements.