Vision Therapy in Brentwood

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

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Alleviating Digital Eye Strain for Comfortable Vision

Do your eyes feel dry, irritated, or fatigued after a lengthy day spent scrolling through social media, tackling a barrage of emails, or streaming your favorite content? If so, you might be wondering whether screen time could be the culprit behind these discomforts.

Indeed, while digital devices have brought convenience, they've also introduced a new challenge for eye health: digital eye strain, which is often accompanied by dry eye symptoms.

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Understanding Digital Eye Strain and Its Link to Dry Eyes

woman using mobile phone

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that arises when you spend extended periods gazing at screens. Its symptoms include dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Several factors contribute to dry eyes during prolonged screen use:

  • Reduced Blink Rate

    While focusing on screens, people tend to blink less frequently. This reduced blink rate can lead to reduced tear production and increased tear evaporation, resulting in dry eyes.

  • Blue Light Exposure

    Digital screens emit blue light, disrupting the circadian rhythm. Disrupted sleep, in turn, can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

  • Poor Posture

    Incorrect screen placement or poor posture can cause you to open your eyes wider, increasing exposure to air and tear evaporation.

  • Reduced Blink Quality

    Frequent screen time can lead to incomplete blinks, where the upper and lower eyelids do not meet fully, causing inadequate tear film spreading and reduced oil secretion from meibomian glands.


The Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Children's Eyes

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that arises when you spend extended periods gazing at screens. Its symptoms include dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Several factors contribute to dry eyes during prolonged screen use:

  • Eye Fatigue and Discomfort

    Excessive screen time can lead to eye fatigue, causing discomfort, reduced vision clarity, and headaches. Children may also lose interest in activities like reading due to eye strain .

  • Dry and Irritated Eyes

    Long screen sessions can result in dry and irritated eyes, as prolonged screen focus reduces blinking frequency. Maintaining a stable tear film on the eye's surface is crucial for clear vision, especially for children adapting to screens designed for adults.

  • Reduced Focus Flexibility

    Children who spend extended periods focusing on screens may struggle to adjust to distance vision afterward. Although this is usually a short-term issue, it highlights the importance of balanced screen time and outdoor activities.

  • Risk of Developing Myopia

    Excessive indoor screen time deprives children of essential natural daylight exposure, impacting their eye development. Studies suggest a link between increased indoor time and a higher risk of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. Balancing screen use with outdoor play is crucial for healthy eyes.

woman viewing tablet in bed


Treating Dry Eyes Caused by Screen Time

Dry eyes induced by excessive screen use may range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to permanent eye surface damage. Therefore, it's essential to take steps to alleviate these symptoms.

If you're someone who spends a considerable amount of time in front of screens, you can adopt several strategies to reduce the risk of digital eye strain and dry eyes:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to focus on something at least 20 feet away.
  • Adjust Screen Settings: Modify the font size, brightness, and blue light emission to create a more comfortable viewing experience.
  • Proper Lighting: Ensure your screen is not overly bright, and your surroundings are well-lit.
  • Blink More: Always remember to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist.
  • Stay Hydrated: Maintaining adequate hydration can help support tear production.

Use Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can relieve dry eyes while using screens.

Patient Reviews
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267 Reviews
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- Sep. 16, 2024
Quick and easy! The Conn Vision team addressed the issue in record time. Thank you!
- Jul. 24, 2024
Knowledgable, patient staff, great service.
- Jun. 26, 2024
Great staff!
- Jun. 25, 2024
Dr. Patel is excellent! She listens to my questions and provides solutions based on my history and n... eeds.
- May. 23, 2024
Great Staff, highly professional. You won’t regret it!
- May. 11, 2024
Wonderful helpful staff paired with excellent optometrists.
- Feb. 12, 2024
Timely, good location and great staff - special shoutout to Dawn for all her help!
- Jan. 25, 2024
I was treated so kindly and the staff was very professional?
- Sep. 09, 2023
Have been going to them for about 5 years. Have consistently received the best services.
- Sep. 04, 2023
Very attentive to my sons and I. Great experience!
- Aug. 23, 2023
Dr. is great and Chris is always so helpful! Staff is so nice! I love coming to my doctor appointme... nts!
- Jun. 05, 2023
Highly recommend! Dr Krieg is professional yet friendly, knowledgeable and offers alternatives they ... best suit your eye situation and care.
- May. 22, 2023
Excellent and attentive care and service from beginning to end.
- Apr. 11, 2023
This place is amazing! The customer service is out of this world.
- Mar. 05, 2023
Best visit ever!!! I was pleased with the care I received. I will refer any and everyone to Conn Vi... sion.
- Jan. 31, 2023
Great first experience. Easy computer paperwork. Swift testing. Happy with Dr. Krieg and her friendl... y, super helpful staff. Got my lenses ordered for my existing frames and will update this review on delivery of the new RX.
- Jan. 19, 2023
Dr. Krieg took Dr. Conn's place after he retired, and I was very fond of him, but she fid a thorough... and excellent eye examination. I am just as pleased as ever with the friendly, professional and expert eye services. The staff on that office is awesome too, and they price- match on my contact lenses! Highly recommend!
- Dec. 01, 2022
I called for an appointment for a new condition. I was seen promptly and treated correctly.
- Nov. 26, 2022
Simply the best in every way.
- Aug. 29, 2022
Best vision appointment I’ve ever had! Staff was super friendly and nice, communication was clear,... and there was little to no wait.

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Dry Eyes in Brentwood

Our optometry practice in Brentwood

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Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Consult Conn Vision for Digital Eye Strain Relief

Although lifestyle changes can be helpful, more effective dry eye management strategies may be necessary in some cases. Conn Vision provides a range of treatments to restore your family's eyesight.

If you or a loved one suffers from ongoing dry eye symptoms due to prolonged screen use, our experienced eye care professionals can provide relief. Make an appointment with Conn Vision to discuss dry eye management options. Let's work together to protect their eyesight and ensure a bright future.

(615) 373-9992