Common Eye Issues: Symptoms and Screen Time Impact

Q: Common Eye Issues: Symptoms and Screen Time Impact

Hello, Miss Chuang： 1. Please don't be alarmed; usually, flashes are harmless. I recommend you get it checked, and if there are no issues, you can rest assured. 2. No one has statistically recorded this, but it's best to minimize usage when possible. The durat

Eye problems

Hello, doctor.
I have a few questions regarding my eye issues:
1.
Last night, before going to bed, I looked at my phone, and after turning off the lights and closing my eyes, I experienced a few flashes of light.
Is this normal? After researching, I am worried it might indicate a retinal issue, but I had an examination in April and no problems were found.
2.
How many hours a day is it advisable to use electronic devices?
3.
Sometimes when I look at my phone, I notice that letters or straight lines appear slightly distorted, but this only happens when using my phone and not when reading a book.
What could be the cause of this?
4.
I have been troubled by these issues for several months, which has significantly affected my mental health.
I went to a clinic for an examination, but they did not find any problems.
Could the issues mentioned above possibly be psychosomatic?
Thank you for your answers, doctor!

Zhuang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/10

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Miss Chuang: 1.
Please don't be alarmed; usually, flashes are harmless.
I recommend you get it checked, and if there are no issues, you can rest assured.
2.
No one has statistically recorded this, but it's best to minimize usage when possible.
The duration of use is not the main concern; taking breaks is important.
Try to follow the guideline of using for 30 minutes and resting for 10 minutes.
3.
It is likely an issue with the phone's display and should not be related to your eyes.

Reply Date: 2022/06/10

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding your eye health and the impact of screen time. Let's address each of your concerns systematically.

1. Flashes of Light When Closing Eyes: Experiencing flashes of light, especially after looking at a screen, can be concerning. However, if you had a comprehensive eye exam in April that showed no issues, it is less likely that this is a sign of a serious problem like retinal detachment. Flashes can sometimes be caused by the vitreous gel in the eye pulling away from the retina, which is common and often benign. However, if these flashes persist or are accompanied by new floaters or a shadow in your vision, it would be wise to seek another evaluation from an eye care professional.

2. Screen Time Recommendations: The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests the 20-20-20 rule to help reduce eye strain from screens: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. In terms of daily screen time, while there is no strict limit, it is generally recommended to keep screen time to a minimum, especially for children. Adults should aim for no more than 2 hours of continuous screen time without breaks, and ideally, limit total screen time to around 4-6 hours a day, depending on individual needs and activities.

3. Distorted Lines on Mobile Screens: If you notice that lines or text appear slightly distorted or slanted only when using your mobile device, this could be due to several factors. It might be related to the screen's resolution, brightness settings, or even the angle at which you are holding the device. Additionally, if you are experiencing eye fatigue or strain, it can lead to temporary visual distortions. Since you mentioned that this issue does not occur when reading books, it may also indicate that your eyes are reacting differently to the screen's light and contrast compared to printed text.

4. Psychological Impact of Eye Issues: It’s understandable that ongoing visual disturbances can significantly affect your mental health. Anxiety about your vision can exacerbate the perception of symptoms, leading to a cycle of worry and discomfort. While it is essential to rule out any underlying physical issues, psychological factors can indeed play a role in how we perceive physical symptoms. If you find that your concerns about your vision are impacting your daily life, it may be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional who can help you develop coping strategies.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be benign and related to eye strain or screen use, it is crucial to maintain regular eye check-ups, especially if you notice any changes in your vision. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation. Additionally, consider incorporating regular breaks from screens and practicing good eye hygiene to help alleviate discomfort. Remember, your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health, so addressing any anxiety related to your vision is equally vital. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out!

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