According to Dr. Haavel, the most common issue patients seek help for is tired eye syndrome. “The average office worker spends 7 to 10 hours a day in front of screens, which has led to a sharp increase in symptoms of digital eye strain. This condition, also known as computer vision syndrome, affects up to 90% of people who spend three or more hours a day at a computer. When focusing on screens, our blinking rate decreases from 15 to 20 times per minute to as little as 5 times per minute. This reduction leads to faster evaporation of the tear film and symptoms of dry eyes,” the eye surgeon explained.
Healthy eating, spending time outdoors, getting enough sleep, optimizing the work environment, and avoiding screens before bedtime are all important habits for maintaining eye health. In addition to changing daily habits, the doctor recommends visiting an optometrist or eye clinic for a comprehensive eye examination every 2 to 3 years, as many serious eye diseases develop slowly and without noticeable symptoms. Changes are often only detected in the later stages of disease.
For more serious eye complaints, it is worth consulting a professional
Although milder eye problems can often be relieved through lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies, there may come a point where the damage is too severe to manage independently. Increasingly, doctors are seeing patients who work extensively with digital devices, as well as many contact lens wearers who experience dry, irritated, and red eyes after long office days and who are significantly more prone to eye infections.
“If wearing contact lenses becomes difficult and glasses do not suit a person’s lifestyle or preferences, one solution for many people is laser vision correction. Today, it is one of the most common and effective medical procedures in the developed world, performed more than 30 million times annually. Every year, more than 3,000 vision correction procedures are carried out in Estonian eye clinics,” said the eye surgeon.
Laser vision correction prices start at several thousand euros
The number of laser procedures increases every year. At the same time, it remains a relatively expensive service, with the average cost ranging from €2,500 to €3,000. “However, over the years, laser surgery can be more cost-effective when considering the money spent on glasses, contact lenses, and maintenance products,” Dr. Haavel pointed out.
“Many people postpone the procedure until they have saved the full amount needed. Since laser surgery is a larger expense and service prices may rise over time, it is wise to think through one’s financial situation early on. In some cases, it may make sense to undergo the operation sooner if it fits the budget, for example by spreading the cost into installments,” said Hanno Ladvas, Head of Inbank Estonia.
According to Kantar Emor data, people’s willingness to use bank financing solutions for paying for healthcare services increased last year. “Health is our most valuable asset, and financial concerns should not prevent people from prioritizing their wellbeing. If a procedure feels expensive, installment payment options can help ease the financial burden and make it possible to make an informed decision for one’s health,” Ladvas added.
Dr. Haavel’s recommendations for maintaining eye health while working with digital devices:
Take a 15-minute break from all screens every 2 hours.
Practice the “palming” technique: 2 to 3 times a day, cover your closed eyes with your palms for 3 minutes. According to the doctor, the effect of this simple technique is almost magical. “It feels as though your eyes have been to a spa, vision improves, and tension disappears.”
During breaks, look out the window and focus beyond the horizon for a few minutes.
Blink consciously and fully 10 to 15 times during breaks. The blinking reflex is the most effective way to relax the eyes.
