Poll: hours on electronic devices causing blurred visionYouth eye problems on the rise

EYE problems have become more common for Hongkongers due to long hours using elec-

tronic devices, a survey indicates.

A poll of 473 people found 92 percent said they have tired eyes after using smartphones and computers for more than 10 hours a day. Over 70 percent suffer blurred vision.

Optometrist Jack Wong Wai-hung (黃偉雄) said blue light from LED monitors of such devices is especially harmful to the retina as it absorbs the strong light.

Spending a great amount of time on e-devices has created more burden on people’s eyes. It causes their eyes to age more quickly than before, Wong said.

He also noted that dry, sore and itchy eyes can be warnings for more serious problems. There is a growing trend of eye degeneration and other illnesses, including dry eye syndrome and cataracts in younger people, said Wong.

Only about 20 percent said that they would seek help from professionals when they found themselves with eye discomfort.

Wong suggested keeping a suitable dis-tance from the devices when using them to bet-ter protect the eyes.

Another tip is the ‘20:20:20 rule’. One should let the eye muscles relax by looking at objects 20 feet (six metres) away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Visiting eye doctors for an-nual checkups is also necessary.

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A poll indicates that people are suffering blurry vision from spending too long on electronic devices. (Sing Tao Daily)

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Hong Kong Today

A study has found that eye problems have become more common in Hong Kong because people use electronic devices for a long time. Most of the people in the poll said they have tired eyes and blurred vision after using smartphones and computers for more than 10 hours a day. An optometrist suggested relaxing eye muscles by looking at objects six metres away for 20 seconds for every 20 minutes spent on these devices.

Key Idea

P03● Text : Anvil Ong

● Photos : Sing Tao Daily

Choose the best answer:1M: unclear in shape and diffi cult to see

E: You will get a blurred image if you do not hold your camera steady when taking a photograph.

E: He suffered from blurred vision after studying for the exam the whole night.

blurred (adj) 模糊的

3M: take in

E: I used a sponge to absorb the water I spilled on the table.

E: Plants absorb carbon dioxide during the day.

absorb (v) 吸收

2M: someone who tests people’s eyes and

prescribes glasses for them

E: He wants to be an optometrist when he grows up.

E: You need to consult an optometrist before wearing glasses.

optometrist (n) 驗光師

4M: having or giving an unpleasant feeling that

makes one want to scratch

E: The dirty environment makes me itchy all over.

E: He has got an itchy rash on his back.

itchy (adj) 發癢的

M: a feeling of slight pain or of being uncomfortable

E: He still felt discomfort after the operation.

E: You may feel a little discomfort after taking the medicine.

discomfort (n) 不適6

5M: someone who works in a job that requires

special education and training

E: His mother is a top skating professional.

E: Only a professional can solve your problem.

professional (n) 專業人士

7M: a tissue in the body that can tighten and relax

to produce movement

E: Walking long distances will strain leg muscles.

E: He exercises every day to build muscles.

muscle (n) 肌肉

Vocabulary Reading ComprehensionM : Meaning E : Example

Answers on P12

Friday 6 June 2014

LS in a nutshell Learning Card

It senses light and sends signals

to the brain about what is seen.What is the function of the

retina in the eye?

Blue light from LED monitors of e-devices is said to be bad for the eyes. An LED, or light-emitting diode, is a device that produces light when electricity is passed through it. LEDs are now used in many areas: general lighting, car headlamps, traffic signals, advertising, etc. They have many advantages over traditional light sources. They are smaller, use less energy and last longer.

1. People suffered ______ after using

electronics for long periods.

A. blurred visionB. allergiesC. headachesD. the fl u

2. The ______ light of LED monitors

is harmful to the retina.

A. redB. whiteC. blueD. dim

3. What should one do to better

protect the eyes?

A. keep a suitable distance from e-devices when using them

B. do physical exercise after using e-devices

C. drink more waterD. take a nap every 30 minutes

4. What is a warning sign of serious

eye problems?

A. big eyesB. small eyes C. itchy eyesD. swollen eyes

5. People are advised not to spend

too much time _____ e-devices.

A. atB. onC. toD. no word is needed

6. The smartphone is a very useful

_____.

A. machineB. pieceC. deviceD. particle

Knowledge