Vision Therapy in Lincoln Park

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

303-825-2286

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
- Dec. 13, 2022
Hi everyone, I wanted to share some photos of the new optical at Denver Health. I hope to see everyo... ne's wonderful face so we can help you with you order. Have a bless day
- Jan. 22, 2022
Costumer service is 20x better than when they were located in the old building, I ordered my glasses... and they showed up just a few days later, the staff were very nice and inviting
- Jan. 13, 2022
I had a wonderful experience here. This location is in the Denver Health Complex and is extremely bu... sy. I had to wait only a few minutes to get help. Jason the Manager helped me out. He was extremely nice and professional. He took the time to pick out glasses with me and made sure they were exactly what I wanted. He was so great I came back the following Monday to order myself a fancy new pair of Ray Bans.
- Nov. 06, 2020
I visited this location because Roman had been so helpful, personable and courteous on the phone. I... went to get lenses for frames I owned and he greeted me instantly. He was professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Also the other staff were helping other customers. This location helps a lot of people who choose to save time and get great eyeglasses from a super convenient location. Thank you Roman and ladies for your hard work.
- Feb. 22, 2020
02/22/20 - If you're coming in on an early Saturday afternoon (when there's no line) to just get you... r glasses fixed, the negative reviews shouldn't be relevant to your visit. If you're there for anything else at any other time of any other day, my positive review may not be relevant to you. It was a quick fix (a screw fell out) and she adjusted the frames so they'd fit better too. Took maybe two minutes. The only difficulty was finding the building (it's the D part of the E building IIRC).

View All 16 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Lincoln Park

Our optometry practice in Lincoln Park

Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

man using computer

Consult EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Inside Denver Health for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

303-825-2286