04 Mar Dry Eye and Screen Time: Protecting Your Eyes in the Digital Age
Do your eyes ever feel dry, itchy, or tired after a long day staring at screens? You’re not alone. Many people experience dry eye syndrome due to increased screen time, whether it’s from working on a computer, scrolling on a phone, or watching TV. In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever to take care of your eyes and prevent discomfort.
With more people working remotely, spending hours on devices, and relying on screens for entertainment, dry eye has become increasingly common. If left untreated, dry eye can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and even long-term eye damage. The good news is there are simple ways to protect your eyes while still enjoying technology.
How Does Screen Time Cause Dry Eye?
When looking at a screen, people tend to blink less often, which prevents tears from spreading evenly across the eyes. This leads to irritation, redness, and discomfort. Blinking is essential for eye health because it helps refresh and hydrate the surface of the eye. When screen use reduces blinking, the eyes dry out faster, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Other factors that contribute to dry eye from screens include:
- Blue Light Exposure – Blue light from screens can increase eye strain and fatigue, worsening dry eye symptoms.
- Prolonged Focus – Staring at screens for long periods reduces tear production, causing dryness.
- Poor Air Circulation – Air from fans, air conditioners, or heaters can make dry eye symptoms even worse.
Signs of Screen-Related Dry Eye
If screen time is causing dry eyes, you may notice:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Blurry vision, especially after extended screen use
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes, a sign of irritation from dryness
- A gritty or foreign body sensation in the eyes
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to ongoing discomfort and make it harder to focus on daily tasks. Over time, untreated dry eye can also increase the risk of eye infections and corneal damage.
How to Prevent Dry Eye from Screen Time
The good news is that a few simple changes can reduce dryness and protect your eyes.
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule – Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
- Blink More Often – Make a conscious effort to blink while using screens.
- Use Artificial Tears – Lubricating eye drops help keep the eyes hydrated.
- Adjust Screen Settings – Lower brightness and use blue light filters to reduce strain.
- Position Screens Correctly – Keep screens at eye level and about an arm’s length away to reduce strain.
- Take Frequent Breaks – If you work on a computer, schedule breaks to rest your eyes throughout the day.
- Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water helps maintain tear production and prevent dryness.
Find Relief for Dry Eyes
If dry, irritated eyes are affecting daily life, professional treatments can help. A comprehensive eye exam can pinpoint the cause of dryness and provide solutions tailored to your needs. Many treatments, such as prescription eye drops, in-office therapies, or lifestyle adjustments, can offer long-term relief and protect your vision.
Schedule an appointment today to protect your vision and find relief.