
Eye health in adolescence
23 January 2025
Adolescence is a stage of very important physical and emotional changes. As the body develops, so does eye health, which can be affected by habits that we may unwittingly adopt in our daily lives. Paying attention to eye health during these years is essential to prevent problems that could accompany us into adulthood. Below, we will see why it is important to take care of our vision during adolescence and how we can protect it.
1. Visual changes during adolescence
During adolescence, the eye continues its process of growth and development. This period may coincide with the appearance or worsening of certain refractive defects, such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. In the case of myopia, for example, it is common for it to increase during puberty due to the growth of the eyeball.
In addition, the pace of adolescent life involves new activities and greater use of electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets and computers) for both study and entertainment. Prolonged exposure to screens can cause symptoms of eye strain, dry eyes, and even headaches.
2. Common risks and problems
- Increasing myopia: Continuous use of devices and lack of exposure to natural light have been linked to the increase in myopia. More and more cases of “school myopia” or “juvenile myopia” are being observed.
- Digital eye strain: Staring at screens for a long time can cause red eyes, irritation, blurred vision, and headaches. This is known as “computer vision syndrome” or digital eye strain.
- Dry eyes: Blinking is reduced when looking at screens, as we unconsciously blink less when we concentrate on electronic devices. This can cause dry eyes or a feeling of grit and stinging.
To take care of your vision:
- Rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking at a distant point (20-20-20 rule);
- keep the proper distance from devices (35-40 cm for the phone and 50-70 cm for the computer);
- blink frequently to prevent dry eyes, make sure you have good lighting and avoid sharp contrasts;
- spend time outdoors to promote eye health and regulate your circadian rhythm;
- have eye exams at least once a year to detect problems early;
- limit the use of screens before bed to not disturb your rest;
- maintain a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables rich in antioxidants and foods with omega-3 to protect your eyes.