Computer screens, rather than mobile phones or tablets, are a main cause of the myopia (short-sightedness) epidemic according to a new study from The University of Western Australia.
Senior research fellow Samantha Sze-Yee Lee, from the Lions Eye Institute used data from the Raine Study collected from 624 young adults to discern the types of digital screens that contributed to the development of myopia.
Dr Lee found that short-sightedness worsened faster in those who reported six or more hours per day of computer usage compared to those with low computer use while time spent on mobile phones did not have any effect.
She said the difference may be due to ‘peripheral defocus’.
“When you look at your mobile phone, everywhere in our peripheral vision, with the exception of the small phone screen, is further away and relatively blurred.
“The brain registers things are generally far away and there is no need for the eye to become more short-sighted.
“When you focus on a large screen such as a desktop computer, more of our peripheral vision is taken by the screen.
“The brain sees that more short-distance work is involved, triggering the eyes to become more short-sighted.”
Dr Lee’s research also confirmed that less sun exposure and genetic disposition were the other major risk factors for myopia.
“It is hoped the findings will help scientists develop techniques to mitigate the detrimental impact of computer screens on eyesight.”
Reference
www.lei.org.au/about/news/blame-computers-not-phones-for-short-sightedness.
