Poor eyesight is a rapidly growing problem that doesn’t just come with age. A strong case in point is myopia. Also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, myopia is becoming a global epidemic among the youth based on a number of researches.
• A King’s College London research study reveals that nearly half of 25-29-year-olds suffer from myopia and around one in three people are shortsighted in the UK.
• According to Chinese statistics cited in South China Morning Post, 10% to 20% of primary school pupils have myopia upon the start of class, it rises up to 50% for secondary school students, and 90% are shortsighted in university.
• Ophthalmologist Andrew Bastawrous shared that more than 90% of young students are leaving school myopic in Singapore.
• In the Philippines, there are over four million Filipinos living with undiagnosed eye problems as reported by the Department of Health (DOH).
Young or old, anyone can get afflicted with eye problems – not just myopia. Whether for work, communication or leisure, we depend so much on mobile and electronic devices, exposing our eyes to different glares, blue lights, and longer device screen time.
Netflix, online games, and social media are temptations that hinder us from moving and going outdoors. These are the key factors that contribute to the explosion of eye problems such as digital eye strain, computer vision syndrome, and other eye disorders affecting people from different generations.
This guide can help in determining risk factors, possible eye problems, and proper eye care depending on the age group. While not comprehensive, it is a useful reference on how to protect your eyes and maintain your healthy vision for a long time.
Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born in 1996 or later
Eye health risk factors
• Increased screen time at such a young age, mostly through smartphones
• Lack of natural daylight due to a more indoor lifestyle
• Lack of physical activity
Eye problems
• Digital eye strain
• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Binocular vision problems (focusing disorders, eye tracking problems, and eye teaming problems)
Eye care tips
• Learn to enjoy the outdoors and wear sunglasses with UV protection. An Independent UK article cites studies in China, where myopia cases are higher, suggesting that more natural light helps prevent the condition.
• Get involved in physical activities. This can help avoid health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to eye disorders. It can also encourage you to spend less time on your phone.
• Keep your smartphone far from your bed. Blue light from mobile devices can cause difficulty in sleeping, and can cause eye problems. If it’s unavoidable, use blue light coating on your prescription lenses. Vision Express exclusively houses BLUE ZERO LUTINA LENSES, an exceptional blue light blocking coat with 94% effectiveness.
Millennials or Gen Y: Born in 1977 to 1995
Eye health risk factors
• Spend more time on desktop as they do their jobs
• Exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices
• Higher rate of smoking and e-cigarette use
• Don’t prioritize or give much interest in vision benefits and eye care
Eye problems
• Digital eye strain
• Computer vision syndrome characterized by dry eyes and eye discomfort
• Retinal damage due to blue light exposure
Eye care tips
• Practice the 20-20-20 rule (have a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet way every 20 minutes).
• Sit about two feet away from the computer screen.
• Position the center of your computer monitor about four to eight inches lower than eye level.
• Adjust the brightness of your computer monitor, or use anti-glare screen or eyeglasses.
• Quit smoking or don’t start. Smoking makes you more susceptible to eye disorders.
• It’s beneficial to know your family’s eye health history early because some eye problems are hereditary. This can help you manage your risks for eye problems.
• Get regular eye check-ups and be interested in having eye care benefits. It’s best if your health insurance covers this.
Generation X: Born in 1965 to 1976
Eye health risk factors
• Advancing age
• Chronic, systematic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• A family history of eye disease like glaucoma and macular degeneration
Eye problems
• Presbyopia where your eye lens finds it more difficult to focus
• Nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Age-related eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts
Eye care tips
• Have good lighting especially when reading or doing other close-range work.
• Avoid glare from bright light sources. Wear specialized eyeglasses or use a protective screen when applicable.
• Undergo eye exams and have regular eye check-ups.
• Know your eye health risks. Do you have relatives with eye problems? Are you experiencing health issues that can result in visual side effects? Practice regular preventive measures and healthy habits to lower your risk.
• Keep your body healthy with proper diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise.
Baby Boomers: Born in 1946 to 1964
Eye health risk factors
• Advancing age
• Emergence of health concerns such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Degenerative changes in body functions due to aging
Eye problems
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Dry eyes
• Cataract
• Glaucoma
Eye care tips
• Practice healthy habits to help maintain good health.
• Get an eye exam. Early detection and correction can help preserve your eyesight.
• Ask your doctor’s recommendation when it comes to eye supplements. Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, president of the Ocular Nutrition Society, advised that the need for certain vitamins and nutrients to support the eyes increase with age.
Why are eye exams important?
Receiving regular eye exams can help in detecting eye problems that may or may not be on the way. It’s best not to take your chances and get your eyes checked to keep them resilient from any possible disorders or diseases.
How to prepare for your eye exam
1. Bring your glasses
To prepare for your visit to the doctor, you’ll want to bring