In Europe, one in three people suffer from myopia, a disorder that is characterized by blurred vision from afar. A figure probably on the increase since confinement, since 60% of French people admit having increased the time spent in front of their screens during this period, according to an OpinionWay survey.
As we know, it is not uncommon to bring your eyes closer to the screens to read or watch what is broadcast there, which promotes the occurrence of this vision disorder. A practice exacerbated during confinement, as highlighted by the Association for the Improvement of Sight (AsnaV). In question ? Telework, school at home, but also connected leisure activities such as video games and binge watching.
AsnaV therefore warns of the deterioration of the eyesight of the French after these two months spent at home. A phenomenon that is not new: "For several years we have observed, in the Western world, an exponential evolution in the number of shortsighted. We are in the epidemic stage and this is likely to increase further ", can we read in a press release.
Myopia: the right actions to protect your eyesight
Problem: vision problems are often asymptomatic. A phenomenon all the more true in children, who does not realize it. The association therefore encourages consultation with an ophthalmologist in the event of visual fatigue or tingling after confinement. In children, a change in behavior such as getting closer to screens should also be a warning sign.
Do not panic: it is possible to prevent myopia and protect your eyesight. But to achieve this, you still need to know the tricks that work, namely:
- take breaks every 20 minutes in front of the screen. The idea? Rest his eyes, looking in particular at the horizon to solicit his vision from afar;
- expose yourself to daylight while protecting yourself from the sun. While natural light is essential for the body and helps maintain good visual health, wearing sunglasses is no less important when the light is strong;
- not be too close to the screen, respect a distance of 50 centimeters;
- opt for rest glasses, for more comfort when viewing screens for example.
"Whether for a medical check-up, an eye test, a renewal of glasses or contact lenses or orthoptic rehabilitation, put eye health at the top of your post-containment priorities ", concludes the Association for the Improvement of Sight.
Read also :
⋙ Containment: 9 tips to protect your eyes from screens
⋙ Myopia, eyestrain: 7 tips to protect your eyesight
⋙ Myopia: one in two people affected in 2050, how to protect their vision?