Expert warns: 'To protect eye health, regularly...'

Dr. Burçin Bulur from the Department of Ophthalmology stated that digital eye strain manifests with symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.

Explaining that a decrease in blinking frequency while looking at a screen causes dry eyes, Bulur noted that intense screen brightness and glare can lead to temporary blurred vision.

Bulur emphasized that poor posture and viewing the screen from incorrect angles can increase neck, shoulder, and eye fatigue, leading to neck and shoulder pain.

Stating that close working distances strain eye muscles and cause dry eyes, Bulur expressed that this situation can be prevented through strategies such as ergonomic adjustments and eye exercises.

Bulur drew attention to the importance of adjusting screen brightness to a level appropriate for ambient light and reducing glare by using screen filters, underlining that neck and shoulder pain can also be prevented by ensuring a correct sitting position.

Emphasizing that using indirect light sources and following the "20-20-20 Rule" are effective in protecting eye health, Bulur made the following assessments:

"Every 20 minutes, you need to rest your eyes by looking at an object 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Regarding ergonomic adjustments, the screen should be positioned at eye level and at a distance of approximately 50-70 cm. Neck and shoulder pain can be prevented by ensuring a correct sitting position. Attention should be paid to proper lighting, ensuring that ambient light is not brighter than the screen, and the use of indirect light sources is recommended to reduce glare."

Touching upon the importance of regular doctor check-ups in protecting eye health, Bulur stated, "To protect eye health, one should visit an ophthalmologist regularly. Adequate hydration is as important for eye health as it is for general health. A healthy diet, including nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, supports eye health. It is necessary to consume fish, leafy green vegetables, and colorful fruits."

News Source: AA