[Eye Health] Increased Smartphone Use Due to COVID-19 Self-Quarantine! Let's Prevent Blue Light Side Effects

Hello. This is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic, helping you rediscover the happy smile that comes from the joy of seeing.

As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (hereinafter referred to as COVID-19) increases, many group events have been postponed,

and all citizens are striving to prevent its spread. When engaging in outdoor activities, people are wearing masks or

making handwashing a habit, and some are entering self-quarantine.

Due to the decrease in various outdoor activities, there is a growing preference for online over offline in all areas such as shopping, cultural life, and hobbies,

and accordingly, the time spent exposed to electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and PCs is also expected to increase.

According to the ‘2019 Broadcasting Media Usage Survey’ results announced by the Korea Communications Commission on January 30th this year,

the average daily smartphone usage time increased from 1 hour 36 minutes in 2018 to 1 hour 39 minutes in 2019.

This year, due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of households in self-quarantine has increased,

and as smartphone and electronic device usage time is expected to further increase, concerns about side effects are also growing.

The most concerning aspects of increased smartphone use are presbyopia, dry eye syndrome, and prolonged blue light exposure.

First, smartphones are often used for long periods at a very close distance.

This overworks the lens and ciliary muscles of our eyes, making it difficult to focus on text even at a young age,

and can cause ‘presbyopia’ symptoms such as eye fatigue.

Additionally, the reduced frequency of blinking exacerbates dry eye syndrome, making the eyes feel stiff and easily bloodshot.

Blue light is light emitted in large quantities from displays like smartphones and PCs, and LED lighting devices,

and it presents two major issues.

The first is that blue light entering the eye causes oxidative stress, leading to damage to retinal cells.

The second is that it affects melatonin secretion, causing sleep disorders (insomnia).

While some studies report that retinal damage due to blue light is not a cause for concern,

the results indicating that it causes sleep disorders are reported relatively consistently.

So, what methods can we use to keep our eyes healthy, which are often overworked by smartphone use,

and prevent sleep disorders?

1. Proper Smartphone Usage Habits

First, it is good to periodically take your eyes off your smartphone and look at a distant object to relieve tension in the ciliary muscles,

and it is necessary to consciously blink to circulate tears.

If you are already experiencing symptoms such as eye fatigue, foreign body sensation, or redness, it is best to seek professional treatment before it becomes chronic.

2. Using Blue Light Blocking Function

Recently, manufacturers have added a built-in function to smartphones to reduce blue light. The method and name for reducing blue light vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and operating system. Let's compare Samsung and Apple phones as examples.

① Samsung

Samsung Electronics, which uses the Android operating system, has included a function to adjust screen light under the name ‘Blue Light Filter’ since the Galaxy S7 model.

To activate the blue light filter, click ‘Display’ in the ‘Settings’ application (app),

then select ‘Blue Light Filter’ to enable the blue light blocking filter.

② Apple

iPhones, which use the iOS operating system, have added the ‘Night Shift’ function since iOS 9.3 to adjust blue light.

Similar to Android smartphones, iPhones can adjust the blue light filter by selecting ‘Display & Brightness’ in the ‘Settings’ application (app), then activating ‘Night Shift’.

3. Specialized Dry Eye Treatment (IPL Laser)

Dry eye syndrome also requires customized treatment based on its cause.

Among these, IPL laser is a method for patients who have not seen sufficient effects with existing dry eye treatments (such as artificial tears).

The IPL laser device, registered as a new medical technology by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, melts hardened sebum in the meibomian glands and facilitates its discharge.

Furthermore, by sterilizing the eyelid margins and constricting capillaries, it reduces the secretion of inflammatory substances,

and is gaining attention as a new method for treating dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome, considered a chronic ailment of modern people.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic has established a customized treatment system based on each patient's eyelid and ocular surface condition,

and is achieving stable treatment results.

Even with chronic dry eye syndrome, if you don't give up and actively seek treatment, lifestyle improvements are definitely possible.

Receive dry eye care from medical professionals with extensive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of prolonged smartphone use on the eyes?

Yes, prolonged close-up use of smartphones can overwork the eye's lens and ciliary muscles, leading to presbyopia symptoms even at a young age. Additionally, reduced blinking can worsen dry eye syndrome.

How does blue light affect eye health?

Blue light entering the eye can cause oxidative stress to retinal cells, potentially leading to damage. Furthermore, studies consistently report that it affects melatonin secretion, causing sleep disorders (insomnia).

How do I use the blue light blocking function on my smartphone?

On Samsung Galaxy phones, you can activate the ‘Blue Light Filter’ by clicking ‘Display’ in the ‘Settings’ app. On iPhones, you can adjust it by selecting ‘Display & Brightness’ in the ‘Settings’ app and then activating the ‘Night Shift’ function.

Is IPL laser effective for treating dry eye syndrome?

Yes, IPL laser is a useful method for patients who have not seen results with conventional dry eye treatments. It is registered as a new medical technology by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and it helps treat dry eyes by melting hardened sebum in the meibomian glands, facilitating its discharge, and reducing the secretion of inflammatory substances.

What are the proper habits to protect eye health when using a smartphone?

It is advisable to periodically take your eyes off your smartphone and look at a distant object to relieve tension in the ciliary muscles. Also, consciously blink to circulate tears, and if you experience symptoms of eye fatigue, it is necessary to seek professional treatment.