Well, here’s a reason to listen to the recommendations of Apple’s Screen Time feature! A woman in China reportedly suffered a grisly injury after going temporarily blind in one eye due to excessive strain from overuse of her smartphone.
The female patient’s retina burst from “excessive strain” after spending too long using her mobile device.
According to her doctor, Qiu Wangjian, at Songgang People’s Hospital, the incident happened after an extended period staring at her phone. “The patient stayed up all night playing on her mobile phone,” Qui said. “The following morning, as soon as she woke up, she picked up her phone and started using it again. About five minutes later, the patient discovered she was unable to see out her left eye. She couldn’t see anything.”
The patient, from Shenzhen, went to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her condition — a rupturing of superficial retinal vessels as a result of physical exertion. “It was important we treated her quickly in order for her not to suffer any long-term effects,” Qiu said.
Fortunately, the fast-acting docs were able to save her vision. They cut a small hole in her retina, which allowed the blood to discharge. The patient is now recovering from the procedure. She has regained her vision.
The dangers of smartphone overuse
While undoubtedly extreme, this story is another illustration of the dangers that can accompany extended mobile device use. In her book iGen, Dr. Jean Twenge writes extensively about the psychological impacts of prolonged smartphone use — particularly when it comes to things like social media. As this story shows, there are plenty of physical risks to smartphone overuse as well.
As with anything, moderation is key. But features like Screen Time, which can alert users (or, in the case of kids, their parents) how long they’ve been on their devices, are certainly a big help.
Source: Daily Star
