Professor Huban Atilla, President of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association, warns that prolonged screen time increases the risk of dry eye and strabismus in children.

Once considered an adult condition, dry eye disease is now increasingly common among children. As smartphones, tablets, and computers have become central to daily life, the age of first screen exposure has dropped dramatically. Prof. Dr. Huban Atilla explains, “School-age children spend long hours using computers and tablets to do homework, attend classes, or play games. Unfortunately, the longer the screen time, the greater the strain on the eye surface,” expressing her concern about this growing issue.

The Rising Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease
The incidence of dry eye disease in the general population is increasing every year. One of the main reasons is the frequent use of tablets and smartphones, especially in dark environments during evening hours. Prolonged exposure to illuminated screens not only leads to dryness but also contributes to the rise of refractive errors such as myopia. Extended near work can exacerbate uncorrected vision problems and trigger the development of strabismus. During the pandemic, the increase in online education and gaming hours significantly raised the prevalence of strabismus among children.

Importance of Blinking and Preventive Measures
When using digital screens, the blinking reflex decreases significantly. Normally, we blink about 15–20 times per minute, but during screen use, this number is reduced by half. As a result, tears cannot spread evenly across the eye surface, leading to symptoms such as stinging, burning, watering, and blurred vision. In children, these complaints may appear as frequent blinking, squinting, tic-like movements, or verbal expressions such as “my eyes are burning.” Parents should pay close attention to these signs and seek early evaluation from an ophthalmologist.

Prof. Dr. Huban Atilla recommends a few simple yet effective measures to prevent digital screen–related eye problems in children:

• Total screen time should be limited.
• Every 20 minutes, the child should look away from the screen and focus on a distant object (about 6 meters away) for 20 seconds.
• Devices should be kept at least 40 centimeters from the eyes.
• The room should be well-lit, and screens should never be used in the dark.

In conclusion, dry eye disease has become a significant health concern affecting not only adults but also children, impacting their overall quality of life. As digital screen use continues to increase, awareness of eye health protection is becoming essential across all age groups. Monitoring children’s screen habits and ensuring regular eye examinations play a crucial role in preventing potential vision problems in the future.

November 2025

Sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels affect the retinal vessels that enable vision, posing a serious risk exclusively to the eyesight of people with diabetes.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Adnan İpçioğlu stated that the incidence of diabetic retinopathy increases, especially in people who have had diabetes for more than ten years. “All diabetic patients are at risk of developing this eye disease,” he said. “It is highly recommended that every person with diabetes have an eye examination at least once a year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.” Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, Dr. İpçioğlu emphasized that patients should have an eye examination immediately after being diagnosed with diabetes and continue routine annual checkups as part of their diabetes management. “Detecting retinopathy findings at an early stage is the key to successful treatment,” he added. “In particular, fundus examination allows early detection of retinal changes and offers patients the chance for effective treatment. After the first five years of diagnosis, diabetic patients should have an eye exam every six months, while those with existing retinal findings should be examined every three months. The frequency of examinations is determined as needed by the ophthalmologist.”

Kasım 2025

The eye contour is often the first area to show signs of aging, mainly because the skin around the eyes is extremely thin and delicate.

The eye contour is one of the most active areas of the face, constantly moving with facial expressions and exposed to light and environmental factors throughout the day, conditions that accelerate the aging process. Over time, collagen and elastin production in the skin decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines around the eyes. Meanwhile, displacement or reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer can cause hollowness or puffiness under the eyes. Genetic predisposition, sleep patterns, stress levels, and alcohol or salt consumption are also influential factors. Because the skin around the eyes is delicate, it requires special care. Direct exposure to sunlight accelerates skin aging, so using sunscreens with UVA/UVB protection year-round, not only in summer, is essential. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying well-hydrated, and using moisturizers and antioxidant-rich products suitable for the eye area are beneficial habits. Applying cold compresses, reducing salt intake, and limiting screen time can also help maintain eye-area health. When necessary, medical or surgical procedures may be considered under professional supervision. In all such treatments, the priority should be preserving natural expression and overall facial harmony.

Kasım 2025