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Digital Dementia and the Role of Optometrists

by | Apr 1, 2024 | Manuscripts | 0 comments

Kristi Sharma, B.Optom

M.Optom Student, The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, Chennai, TamilNadu, India

 

Introduction

The increasingly growing use of digital devices have been raising an infinite number of concerns regarding the overall health of the users. One such less talked about health implication of excessive usage of smartphones, computers and other digital devices is termed as “Digital Dementia”, implicating a cognitive decline due to digital exposure.(1,2,3)

What is Digital Dementia?

Digital dementia is a decline in the cognitive ability of people spending extended periods of time with various digital devices.(1,2,3) The various symptoms of this condition are listed below:

  • Memory problem
  • Reduced attention span
  • Poor concentration
  • Difficulty in learning new information
  • Early onset dementia

Optometrists play a crucial role in managing this condition by using simple strategies benefitting these patients.

Optometric Strategies for Managing Digital Dementia

An optometrist can provide necessary care for managing the visual and cognitive effects of excessive digital device exposure.

1. Comprehensive Eye Examination:

Comprehensive eye examination can help to address any visual association of excessive digital usage like computer vision syndrome and digital eye strain.

2. Blue Light Filtering:

Blue light emitted from the device screens is believed to cause disruptions to the circadian rhythm and cognitive effects. Blue light filtering spectacle coatings can help to reduce the exposure.

3. Vision Therapy:

Vision therapy is helpful in managing any binocular vision anomalies that can contribute to the symptoms of the condition and strengthen the eye muscles for better functioning.

4. Visual Hygiene Education:

Patient education regarding the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and improving the visual ergonomics is an important aspect in optometric management.

5. Collaboration with Other Health Care Professionals

Optometrists can collaborate with Neurologists, Psychologists, and other health care professionals to help alleviate the symptoms in these patients with a holistic approach.

Conclusion

The increasing use of digital devices and their addition as an important part of our lives requires attentive management of the associated lifestyle harms. Optometrists can play a vital role to help manage the visual and cognitive effects of excessive digital usage by careful eye examination and other basic management strategies.

 

References:

  1. Moledina, S., & Khoja, A. (2018). Letter to the Editor: Digital Dementia-Is Smart Technology Making Us Dumb?. Ochsner journal, 18(1), 12.
  2. Dossey L. (2014). FOMO, digital dementia, and our dangerous experiment. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 10(2), 69–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2013.12.008
  3. Horoszkiewicz, B. (2022). Digital Dementia and its Impact on human cognitive and emotional functioning. Journal of Education, Health and Sport.

 

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