Vision Therapy in Columbia

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(573) 447-2020

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
234 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Oct. 10, 2024
Dr. Jill Radkowiec is such a personable doctor and immediately puts you at ease. She is very thoroug... h in the medical process and helping you get what you need for your vision health. I would totally recommend her to anyone needing vision care.
- Sep. 08, 2024
Evie and the other ladies were very accommodating and Profesional. They made my 10 year old son and... I feel like part of the family
- Aug. 26, 2024
Dr. Jill was awesome and I love my glasses!!
- Aug. 09, 2024
Jill and staff are all pleasant and the upmost professionals. This is a well ran business and I high... ly recommend them.
- Jul. 04, 2024
Great service and my glasses were great, no adjustments needed!
- Jun. 16, 2024
Dr. Jill is really great! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable too. Do I mention how awesome Dr.... Jill is?! 😀
- May. 22, 2024
Hadn’t been to an eye doctor in 8 years, the care was great and the people were wonderful. Definit... ely recommend.
- May. 09, 2024
Everyone is fantastic, especially Evie, who not only possesses expertise but also patience. She is s... upportive and professional, a delight with which to work.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Amazinggggg staff, customer service like no other. Amazing group of ladies who run the show and mak... e you feel so great. Thanks for all that you do
- Mar. 14, 2024
All the staff worked together to bring my vision back to normal!
- Mar. 06, 2024
Very nice team!
- Jan. 15, 2024
They are very nice & polite.. very helpful.
- Dec. 09, 2023
Great experience! Friendly and thorough
- Nov. 30, 2023
Very friendly and attentive staff!!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Appointments are easily made. If urgent situations arise, the office is accommodating and supportiv... e. The staff are professional and the equipment is modern. Dr. Jill is excellent. Thank you for helping me with my vision needs.
- Oct. 10, 2023
Dr. Jill and her team are not only professional but engaging. I appreciate the attention to detail, ... particularly the testing they did, in an effort to provide a baseline for my vision moving forward. From the initial call to schedule the visit all the way through picking out glasses the staff was exceptional. Their commitment to providing excellent customer service and optical care in a professional yet comfortable environment makes me give them a grade of A. I will highly recommend them to my clientele and look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Jill and her staff. On a side note I read many previous reviews on this business before deciding to contact and go with this office. I would encourage people to give this office a chance. When Dr. Jalali and his office became affiliated with another company change was bound to happen. Growing pains are always going to part of the process but I felt as though they were trying to improve on their short comings. Dr. Jill believes eye care is important and made me feel that from the moment she began our testing. If something were wrong I believe she would address it then even if it may put another appointment behind. While not always convenient I take comfort in knowing something isn’t being rushed and missed. I’m not a paid endorser rather an actual patient who happens to own a business myself. Reviews, be them good or bad, can cause people to miss out on a service or a provider who would be a perfect fit for them.
- Sep. 14, 2023
I feel I am receiving quality care.
- Aug. 19, 2023
Love my new glasses which is important for work. Thank you.
- Aug. 12, 2023
Friendly Staff and very knowledgeable
- Aug. 10, 2023
Fast and friendly

View All 234 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Columbia

Our optometry practice in Columbia

Photograph of Jill Radkowiec
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem

man using computer

Consult Advanced Vision for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(573) 447-2020