When it comes to vision loss in young people, one of the leading causes remains to be screen use.

Screens dominate our lives pretty much every day, so there’s usually no way of completely avoiding them. As a lot of young people are prone to excessive screen usage, they may be more susceptible to vision problems such as eye pain and fatigue, headaches and dimmed or blurry vision. 

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the common causes of vision loss in younger people, why these problems may be occurring and anything that can be done to prevent these problems. 

Did You Know: Not getting regular eye checks and making sure to wear the right prescription can result in eye strain, headaches and other eye related problems? Make sure to always be wearing the right prescription and get some stylish frames while you’re at it.

Screen use and your vision

We know it’s difficult to prevent yourself from scrolling Instagram everyday, but limiting your screen time can help protect your eyesight. Computer vision syndrome can cause a wide variety of symptoms, as well as teary and itchy eyes and sensitivity to light.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Symptoms include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. These issues arise from factors like poor lighting, screen glare, improper viewing distances, poor seating posture, and reduced blinking. Addressing CVS often involves adjusting the digital device environment, taking regular screen breaks, and possibly using computer glasses.

While we know it may be difficult to avoid screens, as some people may rely on them for work, there are ways in which you can reduce the symptoms you may be feeling. These include lowering your screen’s brightness and opting for night mode. You can also limit screen time to only an hour or two a day. You might also want to look into getting blue light glasses if your screen usage is particularly excessive. 

What can cause vision loss at a young age?

As mentioned, young people tend to be more prone to regular screen usage, whether through social media usage, playing video games or even for work. This can lead to a lot of unwanted eye problems. We’re talking fatigue, eye strain, dry and itchy eyes and blurred vision.

While younger people tend to avoid serious vision problems, they can happen due to less severe untreated problems like blurred vision and eye strain. Conditions like astigmatism and near/far sightedness can also cause these issues, so it’s important that you’re having regular eye tests to ensure your eyes are as healthy as possible. 

Astigmatism is an eye condition where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision. This shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to vision issues at various distances. Astigmatism often occurs with other vision conditions like myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness). It can cause symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and difficulties with night vision. Astigmatism is typically corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Regular eye exams are important for detection and management.

While it’s unlikely to experience sudden vision loss when you’re young, it’s important that if you do, you seek immediate medical attention to figure out the cause and get it treated. 

How to prevent vision loss

Vision loss can be prevented through regular eye tests with your optometrist, wearing glasses and preventing unnecessary damage or strain to your eyes. 

If you find yourself experiencing symptoms such as migraines, blurred vision or light sensitivity, it may be time to start wearing glasses or visit your local optician. 

Whilst these conditions may not necessarily attest to severe eye conditions, they’re a sign that your vision isn’t functioning as it should. Taking precautions can help prevent the occurrence of these conditions. 

Choose your next pair of glasses at Arlo Wolf

At Arlo Wolf, we can cater to your glasses needs with our women’s glasses and men’s prescription eyewear. With a variety of frames, including the ones in our eco collection, you’re sure to find your favourite style, whether that’s tortoise, white, pink, or plain black. 

Our women’s and men’s sunglasses also feature different protective strengths in addition to different patterned and coloured frames. 

If you’re unsure if a specific colour or pattern of frame will suit you, check out our try before you buy service and face shape guide to inform your decision making. We can also upgrade any choice of glasses to our blue light glasses, so if you find yourself staring at screens a lot and experiencing eye strain, these glasses can help protect your eyes. Simply select ‘Digital Media Lenses’ during the checkout process to receive these useful lenses.