Digital screen time and AI trends are causing ‘digital eye strain’ and insomnia

People of all ages spend hours every day watching viral photo trends, video reels and artificial intelligence (AI) tools on social media. This trend of staring at mobile phones and computers in the guise of entertainment is currently having a serious negative impact on people’s physical and mental health. Health experts have warned that excessive screen time is damaging people’s eyesight as well as sleep cycles and brain function.

Digital Eye Strain and Dry Eyes: The eyes are most damaged due to prolonged staring at the screen. In medical terms, this problem is called ‘Digital Eye Strain’ or ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’.

According to doctors:

• Dry eyes: Normally, people blink their eyes 15 to 20 times per minute. But if you stare at a screen intently, the blink rate drops to 5 to 7 times per minute. As a result, the moisture in the eyes decreases, causing dry eyes and itching.

• Blurred vision: Continuous exposure to bright light from close range can cause the eye muscles to become fatigued, which can lead to temporary blurred vision or headaches.

Melatonin depletion and severe insomnia Staying up late scrolling through social media and engaging in AI trends disrupts the normal sleep cycle. The ‘blue light’ emitted from smartphones or other digital devices prevents the brain from producing the sleep-inducing hormone ‘melatonin’. As a result, sleep does not come easily at night and in the long run, it turns into permanent insomnia or ‘insomnia’. Insomnia causes associated health complications such as irritability, high blood pressure, and decreased performance.

Doctors’ advice and ways to survive While it is impossible to avoid the demands of the digital world, it is possible to greatly reduce this risk by following some healthy habits:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes of screen use, rest your eye muscles by looking at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Screen time control: Stop using all types of digital devices at least an hour before bedtime.

• Night Mode and Eye Protection: Keep the ‘blue light filter’ or night mode on the device and use anti-glare glasses if necessary.

• Eye exercises and drinking water: Keep the body hydrated and maintain moisture by splashing water on the eyes frequently.

In addition to using technology for a healthy lifestyle, taking care of your physical health is the biggest need of the hour.