Using your smartphone in bed ‘may cause crossed eyes’

Experts warn against using devices in bed, especially on side and in the dark

Individuals are advised against using their phones in bed, particularly while lying on their side and in the dark. (Envato Elements pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Do you often use your smartphone while lying in bed, especially on your side? Experts caution against this habit: using a device in this position, they say, can strain your eyes and, with prolonged close-up use, could even contribute to the risk of strabismus, or crossed eyes.

The dangers of using devices in bed

Clinical optometrist Muhammad Adam Zakaria, 31, told Bernama that viewing gadgets on your side creates imbalanced vision, placing a strain on one eye.

“When we use a phone while lying down, our eyes focus on the screen at a close distance for prolonged periods, leading to digital eye strain. This can result in dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches due to muscle strain,” he said.

“Extended close-range use can also strain the eye muscles, which occurs not only while lying down or on your side.”

Precautions to take

Adam, who serves at the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital, emphasized the importance of keeping devices at least 40cm away from one’s face and ensuring adequate lighting.

“Avoid using gadgets in the dark, as this causes the eyes to work harder to adjust to contrasting light levels. The bright screen against a dark background adds strain to the eye muscles,” he pointed out, adding that early signs of crossed eyes include light sensitivity and frequent headaches.

Age and risk of strabismus

Meanwhile, clinical and eye surgery specialist Dr Mohd Johari Mohamad said individuals under age 18 are at a higher risk of developing strabismus than adults, as their eye power and eyeball growth are still in transition.

He noted that, while adults are generally at lower risk of developing crossed eyes from gadget use, they may still experience symptoms of glaucoma, an optic-nerve disease often linked to high eye pressure.

Glaucoma: a silent killer

Johari likened the disease to coastal erosion caused by strong waves: “The thinning of the optic nerve, much like an eroding shoreline, gradually impairs nerve function and can even result in permanent blindness.”

To detect chronic conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration early, he advises the public to undergo eye check-ups at least once a year.

He also recommends limiting screen time to no more than an hour at a stretch, and to consume fruits that are high in vitamins A and E, along with naturally yellow-coloured fruit juices, to boost eye health.

Monthly, the director of the Bangi Eye Specialist Centre treats more than 200 of his 1,000 patients for issues related to excessive gadget use.

Conclusion

The use of smartphones in bed, especially on side and in the dark, can lead to strabismus (crossed eyes) and other eye problems. It is essential to take precautions, such as keeping devices at least 40cm away from one’s face and ensuring adequate lighting, and to limit screen time to no more than an hour at a stretch.

FAQs

* What is strabismus (crossed eyes)?
+ A condition where the eyes are misaligned, often causing vision problems.
* What are the risks of using devices in bed?
+ Strain on the eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and potentially strabismus.
* How can I prevent eye problems from using devices?
+ Keep devices at least 40cm away from one’s face, ensure adequate lighting, and limit screen time to no more than an hour at a stretch.
* What is glaucoma?
+ A silent killer that can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. It is often linked to high eye pressure and can be detected through regular eye check-ups.