Panama Recognizes that 66% of the World’s Population Experiences Digital Eye Strain from Electronic Devices.
Screens don’t damage your eyes… but they are tiring them out. Prolonged use of electronic devices is generating a wave of temporary visual discomfort that impacts productivity, well-being, and quality of life.
Stressed young adult woman feeling migraine, holding head and eyeglasses at home office
In a world where working, studying, staying informed, and being entertained inevitably involve a screen, our eyes have become one of the most stressed organs of the 21st century. Although medical evidence clearly shows that the use of electronic devices does not cause permanent eye damage, it is generating an increasingly common phenomenon: digital eye strain, a persistent condition that millions of people already consider “normal,” when it shouldn’t be. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) warns that prolonged use of electronic devices can lead to frequent discomfort such as dry eyes, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and headaches—clear symptoms of sustained visual strain. According to ZEISS, a company specializing in medical technology, by 2025, 66% of the world’s population will experience some type of visual discomfort associated with screen use.
The AAO explains that maintaining a fixed gaze for extended periods involuntarily reduces blinking by up to 50%, affecting the eye’s natural lubrication and promoting dryness, blurred vision, and a feeling of fatigue that often intensifies at the end of the day. Adding to this is constant exposure to blue light emitted by computers, cell phones, and tablets: although its long-term effects are still being studied, the National Eye Institute (NEI) has indicated that this type of light can generate oxidative stress in retinal cells and disrupt the circadian rhythm, impacting sleep quality and the natural processes of visual recovery during the night.
The good news: experts agree that digital eye strain is preventable. The AAO recommends frequent visual breaks, such as the well-known 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. They also advise keeping the screen at about an arm’s length (60–65 cm), positioning it slightly below eye level, reducing glare and excessive brightness, and using artificial tears when dryness occurs. The display industry is moving towards technologies that not only prioritize visual performance, but also comfort and eye protection as a standard, a trend that is especially relevant in a context marked by the growth of remote work, digital learning and gaming.
In that vein, the TCL brand has incorporated solutions designed to support current visual habits and mitigate the impact of prolonged screen use. The TCL 25G64 QD-Mini LED monitor incorporates technologies designed for visual comfort, with certifications for low blue light and flicker-free operation, aimed at reducing eye strain during long periods of screen time. TCL is a pioneer in Mini LED technology and boasts complete vertical integration encompassing research, development, manufacturing, and marketing, enabling it to bring innovations previously reserved for premium televisions to everyday monitors. Display technologies once reserved for high-end screens are now being incorporated into everyday monitors, raising the standard of quality and visual experience—an evolution also reflected in the use of international certifications.
Certifications such as VESA DisplayHDR, which TCL monitors hold, demonstrate that image quality and visual comfort are now measurable and verifiable parameters within the industry, reinforcing a trend toward more stable, precise, and comfortable user experiences. While not replacing medical care, these solutions represent a significant advance in visual comfort, especially in work, entertainment, or gaming environments where screen exposure is constant. Screens are here to stay, but eye strain shouldn’t be an inevitable consequence. Listening to your eyes’ signals, incorporating conscious breaks, and adopting healthy visual habits are just as important as choosing technologies designed with eye protection criteria, capable of supporting an increasingly digital life without compromising visual well-being.
About TCL.
TCL is a leading global consumer electronics brand, committed to innovation and the development of high-quality technology products that enhance everyday life. With a growing presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, TCL actively supports community initiatives and corporate social responsibility programs in the region. TCL products are available in Costa Rica at Gollo stores, located in Santa Ana and Zapote; and in El Salvador at Curacao stores, located in La Gran Vía and Metrocentro 5th Stage.
