Vision Therapy in Dunedin

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(727) 734-8843

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.

boy playing VR game


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
5.0
225 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 08, 2024
sincere and caring staff!!!!
- Oct. 14, 2024
Excellent place for an Eye Exam!!! They are very thorough and Dr explains results of tests in terms... I could understand. Very personable, friendly and efficient which I appreciate!
- Oct. 07, 2024
Fantastic optometrist - everyone is great there, and never have a long wait.
- Sep. 17, 2024
AccuVision provided timely, professional and efficient resolution of an acute eye issue. Saw me wit... hin one hour. I'm confident that they can resolve any eye issue that I might encounter in a timely manner.
- Aug. 26, 2024
I have been going to ACCU Vision Optical for two years now. Dr. Richard Marrotte is professional and... personable. He is excellent at educating his patients about the eyes and the care they need. I wouldn’t want to go to anyone else.
- Aug. 25, 2024
The staff was friendly and Dr.Tupps takes time to explain things and is very thorough
- Aug. 22, 2024
Eye exam by Dr. Marrotte felt like I'm in the best place for taking care of my vision
- Aug. 09, 2024
Everyone was friendly and professional! Eye exam was thorough and my new prescription is ideal. Glas... ses fit great and the progressive lens are easy to see through without tripping or falling.
- Jul. 24, 2024
The office staff and Dr. Marrotte are very friendly, attentive and professional. They measured and o... rdered progressive, gas permeable contact lenses for me and they fit perfectly. I highly recommend AccuVision Optical and Dr. Marrotte.
- Jul. 24, 2024
You will find the highest levels of professionalism, a welcoming staff and atmosphere, and phenomena... l subject matter expertise here.
- Jul. 13, 2024
Everyone from the receptionist to the doctor was capable, well informed and most helpful. I am extre... mely satisfied with the service and my eye glasses fit perfecty.
- Jul. 12, 2024
Great people, very knowledgeable and always friendly and professional
- Jul. 05, 2024
Very kind staff, and a very thorough exam. They let me take my time picking out glasses and were so ... helpful.
- Jun. 22, 2024
Great experience. Fast, friendly, and accurate.
- Jun. 14, 2024
Friendly staff and a knowledgeable and caring doctor.
- Jun. 08, 2024
The staff is great and find appointments for both my husband and I at the same time! Both Doctors ... are great and the optical staff are so helpful in selecting frames!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Great place to get great service and treated Like they really care about treating you well.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Great service! I felt comfortable and confident in their care
- May. 27, 2024
Very professional and friendly place! Dr Tupps is a great eye doctor!
- May. 24, 2024
I highly recommend the staff of AccuVision Optical and Dr. Richard Marrotte to you. I'm a new patien... t (4 months) with what I'd been told is a very complicated rigid gas permeable contact lens prescription. Eye doctor after eye doctor had not been able to figure out how to update a 14-yr old contacts lens prescription for any number of reasons. So I was referred to AccuVision Optical. Impressions: First, the staff there- to a person- is amazing, friendly, professional and efficient- and that alone makes for a great experience. Then... meeting Dr. Marrotte who assured me "it may take a few tries, but we can do this!" and he has. He is patient, communicative, explains what he's doing, what he's going to try- and why- and the end result is I have new set of RGP contact lenses. I truly cannot recommend the staff and Dr. Marrotte highly enough. They are good people and exceptional in their craft.

View All 225 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Dunedin

Our optometry practice in Dunedin

Photograph of Richard  Marrotte
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

man using computer

Consult AccuVision Optical for Digital Eye Strain Relief

Although lifestyle changes can be helpful, more effective dry eye management strategies may be necessary in some cases. AccuVision Optical 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 AccuVision Optical to discuss dry eye management options. Let's work together to protect their eyesight and ensure a bright future.

(727) 734-8843