Is glaucoma related to mobile phone use?
Nov 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Individuals who are at high risk for glaucoma (such as those with elevated intraocular pressure or a family history) or who have already been diagnosed with glaucoma should be cautious: prolonged and frequent use of mobile phones while低头 (bending the head down) or using phones in dimly lit environments may cause eye muscle tension and abnormal pupil regulation. This could indirectly lead to temporary increases in intraocular pressure,加重 (increasing) the burden on the optic nerve, potentially triggering glaucoma attacks or accelerating disease progression. It may also be accompanied by discomfort such as eye swelling and headaches.
Generally speaking, using mobile phones is not a direct cause of glaucoma. However, prolonged improper use may act as a factor that triggers or worsens the condition. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice early. Detailed analysis is as follows:
For healthy individuals without a family history of glaucoma or underlying eye conditions, short-term and reasonable mobile phone use—within normal limits regarding screen brightness and visual strain—typically does not lead to glaucoma. Mobile phone use itself does not directly increase intraocular pressure or damage the optic nerve, and therefore has no direct causal relationship with the development of glaucoma.
However, for individuals at high risk of glaucoma (such as those with elevated intraocular pressure or a family history) or those already diagnosed with glaucoma, prolonged periods of低头using phones or viewing screens in dim lighting can lead to eye muscle tension and abnormal pupil regulation. This may indirectly cause temporary increases in intraocular pressure,加重the burden on the optic nerve, trigger acute glaucoma attacks, or accelerate disease progression. It may also be accompanied by discomfort such as eye swelling and headaches.
To minimize risks, limit daily phone usage time and take breaks every 30 minutes by looking into the distance to relax the eyes. Avoid using phones in dark environments, and adjust screen brightness to match ambient lighting. High-risk individuals should have regular eye pressure check-ups and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as eye discomfort or narrowing of the visual field occur, thereby reducing the negative impact of poor phone habits on eye health.
