London office workers face eye problem 'epidemic' over computer use

Eye problems: Hannah Bailey was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome

14 April 2016

Office workers in London are facing an “epidemic” of eye problems from being glued to computer screens, a leading NHS specialist warned today.

Increasing numbers are seeking NHS treatment at Moorfields Eye Hospital after the pain and redness caused by hours of computer use becomes so bad they have trouble seeing.

Large numbers of patients arriving at clinics complain of dryness, tiredness, swelling or a gritty feeling in their eyes from staring at illuminated screens.

But “some people carry on going at work, despite their eyes being uncomfortable and even red-raw”, said Daniel Ezra, consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon at Moorfields, near the Silicon Roundabout UK tech hub.

According to a recent study, between 60 and 90 per cent of office workers using computers could suffer from some form of computer vision syndrome, which includes headaches and blurred vision.

Dr Ezra estimated up to 15 per cent of Londoners — particularly those who use screens a lot — suffer from blepharitis, a common condition where the edges of the eyelids become red and swollen.

“I’ve got lots of patients who come in and say they can’t do their job properly because the dryness and discomfort has worsened to the degree that their vision has deteriorated,” he said.

“I think it’s probably the tip of an iceberg and there’s a huge epidemic of this problem.”

Research has shown that high screen illumination can decrease blink rate, which is a critical function because the eyelids need to swipe over the eyes to spread tears over the ocular surface.

Looking at a computer screen, a smartphone or a tablet can decrease the blink rate by up to 60 per cent.

If blinking stops then the tear film evaporates and causes stress to the cells lining the cornea, which leads to inflammation and discomfort.

Dr Ezra said e-readers such as Kindles are “kinder to the eyes” because the blink rate can be retained due to lower screen illumination.

But eye problems in offices are being worsened when combined with air conditioning, which encourages tear evaporation.

Dr Ezra said: “We see a huge amount of people complaining of problems with their eyes due to computers, symptoms which include dryness, pain, burning and tiredness.

“If you look at how people used to work before the advent of computers, work patterns were more varied as they would read, write and move around.

“If you’re just sat in front of one screen for hours and hours every single day it’s going to really take its toll.

“While most cases settle with appropriate lubrication, some will need anti-inflammatory agents or a procedure to plug the natural tear drainage channels to increase the tear film volume.

“It doesn’t tend to cause significant irreversible long-term problems, but it can significantly impact on a person’s quality of life.”

The solution for many office workers could be simple — blink more to increase tear lubrication over the eyeball’s surface, and take regular screen breaks, but seek treatment if the symptoms persist.

Dr Ezra also advises trying artificial teardrops, available over the counter, which can help reduce soreness.

'Now I try to stick to books'

Hannah Bailey’s eyes were so inflamed, dry and sore after a day in the office and then working until late at home on her laptop for a major project that she needed to call in sick the next morning.

The public relations executive, 26, took a selfie to illustrate how puffy and painful her eyes become if she spends too much time looking at a screen without using drops.

Bright office lighting and air conditioning worsen the problem and has had to call in sick when the pain becomes unbearable.

The morning Ms Bailey took the selfie she could barely open her eyelids fully due to the pain and redness.

Her problems began after having laser eye surgery, which made her very light-sensitive and she needs to use Hycosan Fresh eye drops four times daily to moisten the ocular surface.

Ms Bailey, from Tower Hamlets, was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome by an optometrist.

She said: “I’m at a computer all day most of the time for eight hours, sometimes longer.

“I took the picture the morning after I had been on the computer all day at work and then at home until 11pm.

“I woke up couldn’t open my eyes, they were streaming and I had to take the day off work, I was in a lot of pain.

“I try to take regular screen breaks but it doesn’t really happen because I’m so busy.

“You really can feel it if I’ve been at a computer all day not put eye drops in.

“My vision can be a bit blurry and my eyes are sore when I got to bed.

“Now I try not to go on the laptop in the evenings and not to watch too much TV or read on my iPhone, and instead I stick to good old-fashioned books.”

MORE ABOUT

Moorfields eye hospital

London office workers face eye problem 'epidemic' over computer use

Read More