Vision Therapy in Tucson

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
4.8
222 Reviews
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- Oct. 05, 2024
Super friendly,clean, professional. I had a quick enjoyable visit
- Aug. 11, 2024
Excellent & Professional service!
- Jun. 19, 2024
Friendly staff, easy to schedule appointments, competent physicians.
- May. 28, 2024
Dr Baim was so knowledgeable & friendly we been seeing him for over 20years.
- May. 27, 2024
Everyone was friendly and helpful.
- May. 14, 2024
Dr. Fuhr is an amazing, professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, doctor. I am comfortable with hi... s plan to proceed forward with my eye care. The staff are so kind, knowledgeable, & caring.
- May. 05, 2024
... best Optometrist I've ever visited, Dr. Furh ... patient, direct and concise while supporting st... aff members were extremely helpful!
- May. 02, 2024
I walked in with broken frames and they assisted me with a new stylish pair I could walk out with ri... ght away. Everyone was helpful and knowledgeable. I appreciate the quick service because I can see now! Thank you!
- Mar. 17, 2024
Doctor Ben was so nice and helped me with an eye issue. I will not go anywhere else. I recently got ... glasses and they fit and feel great.
- Feb. 26, 2024
I've been a patient of Dr. Baim for over 24 years. He's excellent and so has his staff, including th... is latest appt this Nov and Jan. Great Place!
- Feb. 13, 2024
Prompt, friendly and knowledgeable
- Feb. 05, 2024
Been going here for over 15 years and all I can say is professional, friendly, and educational. I m... ove to Oro Valley and still drive to the west side to see Dr Bain
- Dec. 09, 2023
It's so easy to make an appointment online. The entire staff is welcoming and friendly. The Dr's do ... a great job of explaining everything. The office is clean and visually appealing. It's a wonderful office.
- Nov. 30, 2023
Severely scratched my eye which required immediate attention, Veronica was able to get me in right ... away with Dr. Fuhr, ir was comforting to know that the entire staff (including Racheal) were concerned for my well being. The clean state of the art facilities and optimal care for patience makes going there a no brainer, I will certainly be back but hopefully next time only to pick one of their stylish pair of frames!
- Nov. 18, 2023
Excellent, polite and professional.
- Sep. 19, 2023
Dr. Baim is respectful, patient, provides thorough eye exams, and care about his patients.
- Sep. 17, 2023
The newest optometrist is awesome! I tried another optometrist on Ina that couldn't provide the prop... er prescription for my computer glasses. I need these glasses for my job, so it's important to get this corrected. This place used the new frames and sent the prescription to the lab. After a week of successful wear and being able to see my computer screens clearly, I will always come here for my eye care needs.
- Aug. 27, 2023
All around great service
- May. 13, 2023
If you need a Dr. who truly cares about the health of your eyes, make an appointment at Silverbell E... yeCare with Dr. Baim. He is Amazing!!
- Apr. 15, 2023
I have been going there for over 20 years and never had any trouble. Always great service.

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Dry Eyes in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

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Consult Silverbell EyeCare EyeCare for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(520) 884-9600