Today, International Book Day, Dr. Carlos Martín, ophthalmologist expert in refractive surgery at the IMO Grupo Miranza clinic, shares some tips to take care of our eyes when we read and to be able to continue enjoying this habit throughout our lives.
One aspect that we must not lose sight of is creating an ideal environment for reading, starting with the lighting, which must be comfortable and allow us to read effortlessly. “In this sense, we must take into account that, in spaces with poor lighting, we are forced to strain our eyes and this leads to visual fatigue,” explains the ophthalmologist. Furthermore, according to Dr. Martín: “If we read on screens, it is important to reduce the brightness, adjust the contrast, opting for white backgrounds with dark letters. The use of glasses with blue filters is also widespread, in order to reduce visual discomfort.”
Likewise, the expert warns that “when we read, we unconsciously reduce the frequency of blinking, this decreases ocular lubrication and, consequently, symptoms such as burning and the sensation of dryness increase.” Therefore, it is important that we remember to blink when looking at books or electronic devices. However, if the symptoms of dry eyes persist, it is important to visit the ophthalmologist to rule out, for example, dry eye syndrome, which sometimes appears linked to systemic diseases and, on the other hand, prescribe the appropriate treatment depending on the severity of the condition. the symptoms.
Eyestrain is another condition that can occur when we spend a lot of time reading. And this is because to “focus” correctly, the eye requires a certain amount of muscle effort and eventually becomes exhausted, leading to blurred vision and blurred vision. If we use screens to read, Dr. Martín advises following, for example, the “20-20-20 rule”: “It consists of focusing your eyes away from the screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, at a distance of 20 steps. (about six meters).”
However, it is important to distinguish eye strain from other conditions that may have similar symptoms. This is the case of eyestrain (presbyopia), which usually manifests itself after the age of 45-50. It is mainly due to the natural aging process of the natural lens of our eyes (crystalline lens) and gives rise to poor vision. near. “In practice, to see well, the person needs to move the book or screen away to see clearly. Therefore, when presbyopia begins to cause visual problems, it is necessary to prescribe near vision glasses,” the specialist clarifies.
For people who want to do without wearing glasses, experts currently have advanced refractive surgery techniques, individualized for each patient. These allow the correction of presbyopia, as well as other refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism). In this sense, the surgeon assesses the lifestyle of each patient, along with the anatomical and optical characteristics of the eyeball in order to offer the most satisfactory results. “At IMO Grupo Miranza we have different types of premium intraocular lenses, which allow good acuity and visual quality at all distances. In the same way, surgically it can be said that it is a simple surgery and we have state-of-the-art phacoemulsification devices, which allow us, among other things, to work through minimal incisions. Thus, patients have an early visual recovery with practically no discomfort,” explains Dr. Martín.
