Vision Therapy in Sanford

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.

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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198 Reviews
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- Oct. 11, 2024
Great Doctor - Ben is the most caring and knowledgeable eye doctor . You’re in good hands with him... !
- Oct. 03, 2024
Dr Ben, as always, very proficient, able to explain things in layman’s terms, NEVER makes you feel... rushed.
- Oct. 01, 2024
the staff is kind and gentle, and the doctor is very direct and explains the problems and results ea... sily.
- Sep. 23, 2024
Professional service with minimum wait time in office.
- Sep. 21, 2024
Everyone was great and Sam was so amazing working with my 5 year old. Sam was very patient and very ... kind with her.
- Sep. 18, 2024
Doctor and staff are always professional, thorough and friendly. We have been patients of Advanced... Eye Care for many years. From our experience, we would recommend them to you.
- Sep. 16, 2024
Great people and they do great work.
- Sep. 05, 2024
Everyone at the office was wonderful! Sam was especially nice and made things fun and light. I have... been coming the AEC for years and would highly recommend.
- Aug. 28, 2024
I’ve been going to this location for over 5 years and I can only say the incredible staff and the ... location I love this place!!
- Aug. 28, 2024
Can’t go wrong with Advanced EyeCare!! Great staff with excellent service.
- Aug. 22, 2024
Dr Ben and staff are very accommodating, great service and a very educated, smart and personable Doc... tor.
- Aug. 15, 2024
What a great experience when you hate the eye doctor. They were so friendly and understanding when I... was constantly blinking as a natural reaction to things being close to my eye when in the past other offices have gotten frustrated with me and were rude.
- Aug. 06, 2024
I have been going to Advanced Eye Care for years. Dr. Ben is a great doctor, he is very thorough and... always takes time to answer my questions . The staff is friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Advanced Eye Care
- Jul. 23, 2024
We love Advanced Eye Care and have been coming here for years for our eye care needs, highly recomme... nd! Dr. Christie, Dr. Ben and Dr. Le and the entire Team there are all wonderful!!
- Jul. 10, 2024
I had a great experience here! My son is 6 and eye appointments are difficult and the staff did such... a good job being patient and making it fun. Sam was incredible, he was so kind to my son and made the process so smooth! Dr. Ben was incredible and kind and thorough! Everyone should come here if they are in need of glasses or an eye exam!
- Jul. 05, 2024
Sam is fantastic. He made the visit enjoyable! The office is professional and clean. They don’t le... ave you lingering as a patient. No pressure in buying anything but lay options out for you to consider.
- Jul. 04, 2024
The doctors and staff are friendly, attentive and thorough.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Thorough staff and the best vision solution to accommodate my work and hobbies.
- Jun. 18, 2024
Sam the optician assistant/technician was an incredible help. He made the process smooth, quick, and... with excellent care. His attention to detail was stellar. Anyone would feel secure with their optical health in his hands.
- Jun. 07, 2024
Great staff , very professional service

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Dry Eyes in Sanford

Our optometry practice in Sanford

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Consult Advanced EyeCare for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(407) 333-3937