Vision Therapy in Northeast Side

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(210) 646-6194

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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501 Reviews
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- Dec. 03, 2024
Very professional, love their glasses love this place will be coming back
- Nov. 21, 2024
Dr. Bell is a thorough eye doctor. He takes the time to explain what he's doing. The office staff ar... e so friendly and helpful. Great customer service girls!
- Nov. 20, 2024
Amazing staff. The providers have great upbeat attitudes and take time to answer questions.
- Nov. 13, 2024
A very comfortable and friendly environment. No pressure and no rushing . Lots of styles and frames ... to choose from. Prices for every type of pocketbook.
- Nov. 08, 2024
Great experience
- Sep. 30, 2024
Fast, courteous, responsive to questions.
- Sep. 25, 2024
I really recommend this place!. I spoke to Amy and let her know what was going on with my daughter�... �s glasses and she helped us find the perfect glasses for her. Thank you so much Amy
- Sep. 12, 2024
Love them and within network
- Sep. 05, 2024
It’s the most thorough eye exam. Dr Bell goes over everything
- Sep. 01, 2024
I was impressed with doctors results. And was impressed with the staff on how they handled my eyegla... sses.
- Aug. 22, 2024
Always professional and helpful.
- Aug. 16, 2024
Helpful and professional
- Aug. 15, 2024
Friendly and knowledgeable
- Jul. 18, 2024
Staff is always helpful and doctors are knowledgeable. I have been a customer for over 8 years.
- Jul. 11, 2024
Dr. Bell is great, as well as the staff. They all are very helpful and friendly. This would be my se... cond annual visit with Dr. Bell at this location, and my eyes are doing just fine with their help! 🙂
- Jul. 02, 2024
My husband and I started going to EyeTx many years ago. This year was the first time that we've brou... ght my mother in as a patient. She has dementia and therefore has a lot of difficulty making it through appointments without being very overwhelmed and confused. Dr. Hang Jiang and the staff here went above and beyond and were so patient with her. I explained the situation before our appointment and they accommodated us well. I was very pleased with how well they treated us. We will definitely be back. Thank you for the compassion and wonderful care!
- Jul. 02, 2024
Dr Bell is great and so is his staff
- Jun. 28, 2024
EyeTex was an exellente experience. Very friendly an professional staff.
- Jun. 20, 2024
Friendly upbeat staff great customer service
- Jun. 15, 2024
I received great personalized service.

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Dry Eyes in Northeast Side

Our optometry practice in Northeast Side

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Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Consult EyeTX - Walzem for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(210) 646-6194