Vision Therapy in Southside

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(904) 992-9991

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
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191 Reviews
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- Nov. 26, 2024
Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Oct. 21, 2024
Dr. Joly is an excellent optometrist. I have been going to her for several years. I am very please... d with the care I receive from her. Racy was very helpful with selecting new frames.
- Oct. 18, 2024
Awesome!
- Oct. 12, 2024
Dr Joly is an amazing Dr. the staff if polite and willing to help
- Oct. 10, 2024
Great experience overall with kind staff! Dr. Folly was professional, kind and has a lot of experien... ce!
- Sep. 26, 2024
Awesome doctor and the staff was great too!
- Sep. 16, 2024
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK JOE FOR HIS SWIFT ATTENTION TO A REFUND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET. I CALLED L... AST FRIDAY AND THE REFUND IS IN MY ACCOUNT. AGAIN THANK YOU JOE FOR YOU ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.
- Sep. 14, 2024
Everyone in the office is super nice and professional. Nidia and Joe are very product and service kn... owledgeable. The doctor and assistants are awesome answering all my questions. The front desk staff are also courteous and friendly. They also have a nice selection of eyewear to choose from.
- Sep. 05, 2024
Everyone I interacted with was friendly & helpful.
- Aug. 20, 2024
Love the docs and staff. Always a great experience.
- Aug. 16, 2024
Love A1A Family Eyecare! Have been going to them for many years and everyone is professional and fr... iendly.
- Jul. 28, 2024
Our whole family loves Dr Joly. She is a fantastic doctor & is professional & takes he time to expla... in things in a way that is clear & easy to understand. We’ve trusted her with our vision for many years. She discovered an issue with my husband’s eye in its early stages & was able to direct our care to a specialist for treatment which saved his eyesight & she always checks it closely during his annual exam to make extra sure it stays gone. She really cares & we really appreciate that. Very nice office & front desk & eyeglasses specialist who helps pick the best frames as well. We reccomend A1A Family EyeCare 100%.
- Jul. 06, 2024
Staff was very helpful and friendly. Doctor was very polite and went over everything well with me
- Jul. 05, 2024
Since you enter you feel the kindness and profesional they are. All the nenbers of the office are sp... ecial and excellent. Thank you for help me and the rest of my family to look the world in better way.
- Jul. 04, 2024
The environment definitely feels family oriented. The staff were nice, polite, and very helpful. The... doctor was understanding, patient, knowledgeable and good with kids.
- Jun. 09, 2024
Great practice, everyone was very efficient, knowledgeable & thorough. I will be back.
- Jun. 02, 2024
Dr Horning is an excellent doctor. He is very thorough and answers all my questions. Also, very impo... rtant is I never wait long. The office staff are always friendly.
- May. 24, 2024
Fast, efficient and friendly. Been using A1A for years.
- May. 09, 2024
The Staff was courteous, friendly and helpful. I picked out my new glasses and received them in less... than 2 weeks! I love my new glasses and I would highly recommend A1A Family Eye Care to family and friends.
- Apr. 06, 2024
I've been a long time client of A1A Eyecare and I wouldnt trust my eyecare to anyone else.

View All 191 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Southside

Our optometry practice in Southside

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

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Consult A1A Family EyeCare for Digital Eye Strain Relief

Although lifestyle changes can be helpful, more effective dry eye management strategies may be necessary in some cases. A1A Family EyeCare 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 A1A Family EyeCare to discuss dry eye management options. Let's work together to protect their eyesight and ensure a bright future.

(904) 992-9991