This Spring Festival, many chose to celebrate locally. Gathering virtually around screens, staying up late for lively chats—such intense eye strain leaves our eyes sighing, "I'm so tired." Professor Lin Xiaofeng, Deputy Director of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center at Sun Yat-sen University and Vice President of the Eye Hospital, reminds everyone to balance work and rest, prioritize prevention, and avoid overworking the eyes. He also shared nine eye care tips for the public.
Binge-watching shows and scrolling through feeds late into the night? Beware of dry eyes.
Dry eye is a common condition among modern individuals. Those who stayed up late during the holiday to watch shows or scroll through social media feeds should be especially vigilant. Remember to remind family members of all ages not to become engrossed in the digital world.
>Under normal conditions, the eye surface is covered by a "tear film." If tear secretion decreases, tear quality changes, or blinking frequency reduces, the eye cannot stay sufficiently moist. This disrupts the tear film's stability, leading to symptoms like dryness, stinging, foreign body sensation, stickiness, difficulty opening eyes, tearing, eye strain, fluctuating vision, and light sensitivity—all signs of "dry eye."
Lin Xiaofeng reminds us that dry eye is a chronic eye condition requiring long-term management. Early prevention and treatment can prevent blindness. Common treatments include eyelid margin hygiene, nebulization therapy, massage, hot/cold compresses, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, and meibomian gland massage.Four principles for preventing dry eye:
First, cultivate healthy habits: maintain a positive mindset, avoid staying up late, exercise regularly, and manage anxiety.
Second, develop the habit of blinking frequently. Insufficient blinking reduces tear secretion, depriving the eyes of nourishment and leading to dryness.
Third, consume ample fresh vegetables and fruits while increasing intake of vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Fourth, use artificial tear eye drops appropriately, but always consult a professional ophthalmologist for prescription.
Third, consume ample fresh vegetables and fruits while increasing intake of vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Fourth, consider using artificial tear eye drops appropriately, but always consult a professional ophthalmologist for personalized recommendations based on your eye condition.
The Right Approach to Eye Care
How can we alleviate eye fatigue? The doctor's advice is—proper eye usage:
First, prioritize regular eye examinations.
Second, when engrossed in electronic screens, remind yourself to blink frequently. Under normal circumstances, blinking occurs 8-20 times per minute.
Third, maintain an appropriate angle and distance from computer screens. Specific requirements: keep eyes 50-70 cm from the screen, position the top line of text about 3 cm below eye level, and ensure the chair supports your arms when they hang naturally.
Fourth, keep a distance of 50-70 cm from computer screens. Specific requirements: eyes should be 50-70 cm from the screen, the top line of text should be about 3 cm below eye level, and the chair should support your arms when they hang naturally.
Third, maintain proper angle and distance from computer screens. Specific requirements: Eyes should be 50-70 cm from the screen, with the top line of text positioned about 3 cm below eye level. When arms hang naturally, the chair should support them at an 80-100 degree angle. Keep your back against the chair's support without gaps, knees slightly higher than the seat, and feet flat on the ground—avoid crossing your legs.
Fourth, minimize colored contact lens use and opt for RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses instead. Not only do they offer clearer vision and greater comfort, but their water-free composition minimizes tear loss, helping maintain eye moisture.
Fifth, practice regular distant gazing by adhering to the "20-20-20" rule: every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet (6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds (wear corrective lenses if nearsighted).
Sixth, apply warm compresses—using warm water, a heated towel, or a steam eye mask—when experiencing eye fatigue.
Seventh, use an air purifier to reduce pollutants entering the eyes.
Eighth, avoid staying up late. Individuals with high myopia face a risk of retinal degeneration, which can lead to blindness in severe cases.
Ninth, those experiencing significant eye strain should seek prompt medical attention.