The Link Between Screen Time and Dry Eyes: Tips for Relief

In today's modern world, we spend more time in front of screens than ever before. Whether it's work, school, or entertainment, hours of screen time can take a toll on our eyes. At Wood Vision Center, we see an increasing number of patients experiencing discomfort, blurry vision, and irritation linked to prolonged digital device use. Understanding the connection between screen time and dry eyes is key to finding effective relief and knowing when it's time to seek professional care.
 

How Screen Time Contributes to Dry Eyes

When you use digital devices, your blink rate significantly decreases. Most people blink about 15-20 times per minute, but during screen use, that rate can drop by more than half. Blinking is essential for spreading tears across the surface of the eye and maintaining moisture. Fewer blinks mean your tears evaporate faster, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
 

Other contributing factors include:
 

• Poor lighting or glare from screens

• Close viewing distances

• Long periods of uninterrupted focus

• Air-conditioned or heated environments

Over time, these habits can disrupt the natural balance of your tear film and lead to chronic dry eye symptoms.
 

Tips for At-Home Relief

Making simple adjustments to your screen habits and environment can help prevent and alleviate dry eye symptoms:
 

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Conscious Blinking: Remind yourself to blink more often and fully, especially when staring at screens.

• Adjust Your Screen Setup: Position your screen slightly below eye level to reduce eyelid exposure and tear evaporation.

• Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief when used properly.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter eye drops aren’t providing enough relief, it may be time to consult your eye care provider. At Wood Vision Center, we offer comprehensive dry eye evaluations designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms. This thorough assessment may include tests to measure tear production and quality, imaging to evaluate the health of your meibomian glands, and analysis of your tear film break-up time.
 

Once we understand the underlying factors contributing to your dry eye condition, we can recommend targeted treatments tailored to your needs. These may include prescription eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, punctal plugs to help retain moisture, thermal pulsation therapy to address blocked oil glands. Our goal is to provide long-term relief through a personalized approach that supports your eye health and overall comfort.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Dry eye symptoms can significantly affect your daily comfort and productivity. While small changes in your routine can help, persistent symptoms may indicate a deeper issue that requires professional attention. Identifying and treating the root cause is the most effective way to achieve lasting relief and protect your long-term eye health.
 

If dry, irritated eyes are disrupting your day, contact Wood Vision Center to schedule a personalized dry eye evaluation for personalized treatment options. Visit our office in Monroe, Georgia, or call (470) 570-5200 to book an appointment today.