How Can Screen Time Affect Your Eyes and Contribute to Dry Eye?

In today’s digital world, it’s almost impossible to avoid screens. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and TVs, screens are a major part of our work and leisure time. While convenient, increased screen use can have an unexpected side effect - dry eye syndrome. Understanding how screen time impacts your eyes and knowing what to do about it can help you protect your vision and maintain daily comfort.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears you produce are of poor quality. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated, nourished, and protected from irritants. When this balance is disrupted, you may experience:

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Redness and irritation

• Blurry vision

• A gritty or “foreign body” feeling

• Eye fatigue or discomfort after reading or screen use

How Screen Time Contributes to Dry Eye

Digital screens affect your eyes in subtle but significant ways. Normally, people blink about 15-20 times per minute. When using a screen, that rate can drop by nearly half. Fewer blinks mean less tear distribution, allowing moisture to evaporate more quickly. Over time, this can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Additionally, prolonged screen time can strain the eye muscles, making any existing dryness feel worse. Poor lighting or sitting too close to your screen can compound the problem.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

Managing screen-related dry eye often involves small but effective changes to your routine:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax your eyes.

• Blink More Often: Make a conscious effort to blink fully to keep your eyes lubricated.

• Adjust Your Environment: Reduce glare, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and position your screen slightly below eye level.

• Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can provide temporary relief from dryness.

If these measures don’t help or your symptoms persist, it may be time to see your optometrist.

When to See Your Doctor

Persistent dry eye requires a proper diagnosis to determine the underlying cause. At Optima Vision Center, we can evaluate the quality of your tears and overall eye health to create a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, in-office treatments to improve tear quality, or lifestyle adjustments tailored to your needs.

Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Eye Comfort

Long hours on digital devices can take a toll on your eyes, increasing the risk of dry eye and ongoing discomfort. By taking simple steps to reduce eye strain and protect your tear film, you can often minimize irritation. However, if your symptoms linger or worsen, professional evaluation is key to finding the root cause and achieving lasting relief.

Don’t let dry eye affect your daily life. Contact Optima Vision Center to schedule a consultation and get a personalized treatment plan to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. Visit our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or call (215) 548-5949 to book an appointment today.