Some Richmond-based optometrists are reporting that visual complaints have increased amid the pandemic, as COVID-19 forces more people to work remotely and use computers for longer periods.
According to a survey conducted by the BC Doctors of Optometry (BCDO), a group that represents more than 600 optometrists in the province, nearly half (48 per cent) of British Columbians have expressed concerns about increased screen time over the past few months, and many of them failed to take any action to address those concerns.
In the first six months of the pandemic, the most common eye symptoms reported by British Columbians included itchy or irritated eyes, dry eyes, headaches and eye floaters.
A staff member at Optimum Eye Care, an independent Richmond clinic, told the Richmond News that more students learning from home this year are now experiencing digital eye strain.
“I would recommend them to take a break or purchase blue light protection glasses, which could help with the eye strains,” said the staff member, adding that the blue light from the digital screen can damage the retina and contribute to eye fatigue.
Meanwhile, it’s important to get routine eye tests on this schedule: every year for children under 18. Every two years for adults and every six months for seniors, according to the staff.
Another staff member from the Blundell Centre Optometry said they have also received an increased number of visual complaints over the past few months. And eyestrain is one of the common conditions reported by patients.
She recommends people who are working from home to control the amount of screen time to within eight hours per day and set reminders to take breaks from apps or screens.
The BCDO website also includes some resources to help people receive proper eye treatment without putting their safety at risk. For example, people can use the “find a doctor” tool on the BCDO website to locate an optometrist nearby.
The survey conducted by the BCDO generated responses from 1,000 British Columbians, representative of the population across the province from Aug. 7 to 11.
