Vision Therapy in Weatherford

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(817) 594-2311

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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657 Reviews
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- Oct. 08, 2024
Dr Lanier is willing to discuss any questions I have without being rushed.
- Oct. 05, 2024
Nice place, friendly staff
- Sep. 23, 2024
I saw Dr. Hebda this morning. He was excellent. Very courteous, pleasant also professional. Rozanne ... who helped me pick out frames and place my order was also super! I highly recommend Family Eye Care!
- Sep. 10, 2024
Very friendly and professional. I highly recommend family eye care center.
- Aug. 27, 2024
It was my 6 year old son’s first appointment and they were fantastic with him!
- Aug. 20, 2024
Great service I injured my eye they had a spot for me within the hour the eye is healing
- Aug. 18, 2024
Friendly, fast and professional.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Amazing staff! Dr. Christopher is the absolute best eye care physician I've ever had the pleasure of... seeing. 10 out of 10 recommend this place. Affordable, comfortable, fast and SO so easy. I took my daughter here they were excellent with her. The staff was above and beyond. The doctor explained everything clearly and patiently he was outstanding with me and with my kids. I absolute recommend this place 100%. Thank you all for being amazing and taking care of your patients the way you all do.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Had a problem with my insurance at first, but they finally figured it out. The doctor was pleasant a... nd did a good job prescribing my single contact!
- Aug. 10, 2024
I would recommend Dr Envani to anyone who needs an I exam. Very professional and knowledgeable.
- Aug. 05, 2024
Great experience with the eye exam and glasses selection. April was especially helpful and knowledge... able. Definitely recommend.
- Jul. 22, 2024
Staff was very helpful and professional! This is the only place to go in my opinion!
- Jul. 18, 2024
Dr. Envani was very nice and helpful. The staff is very friendly. My husband and I love getting ou... r eye exams there. I highly recommend Family Eye Care Center.
- Jul. 18, 2024
Always a great experience. The staff is always friendly and quick. Doctors are always kind and get y... a taken care of! Our family loves this office!!
- Jul. 05, 2024
Experience shows, customer service.
- Jul. 04, 2024
Always friendly service.
- Jul. 03, 2024
Went for eye check up, really nice people, doctor was cool.
- Jun. 18, 2024
Thank y’all so much for getting me in within the hour of my calling to evaluate my eye! Visit was ... short, straight and to the point and I have relief knowing I will feel better in a few days. Not bad for no insurance either and the doctor was very kind- front office to back y’all are doing an amazing job!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Would definitely recommend. Friendly courtesy was out standing by all staff. Professional and know... geable. Call today.
- Jun. 05, 2024
I always get a caring eye exam and the they are all friendly. Never have to wait long for my appoin... tment

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Dry Eyes in Weatherford

Our optometry practice in Weatherford

Photograph of Jonathan  Hebda
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Eye Med
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Consult Family EyeCare Center for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(817) 594-2311