Vision Therapy in Mesa

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.

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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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298 Reviews
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- Sep. 23, 2024
Service provided by Oasis Vision Center was great. Thank you very much.
- Jul. 16, 2024
Great staff, awesome atmosphere! Dr Ng was so friendly and personable, makes a difference in the exp... erience. Definitely would recommend Oasis Vision Center to anyone.
- Jul. 06, 2024
There were a lot of frames to choose from and the staff was very friendly
- May. 24, 2024
Been using Oasis Vision Center for at least 15 years now. Every visit has been pleasant and Dr. Pipe... r really knows she stuff.
- May. 01, 2024
I am constantly impressed with this office. The optometrists are amazing and the staff is beyond pro... fessional. Neil was able to set me up with a new pair of glasses as well as contact set. He went above and beyond! He made sure that my glasses fit perfectly and searched for the best deals that the office had. He made me feel valued as a customer. I will definitely be back. I highly recommend this vision center!
- Apr. 12, 2024
If you need eye Care, this is where you should go, they are the best!
- Mar. 01, 2024
This was my first visit to this location. The staff was attentive and welcoming. Dr. Ng was very per... sonable and asked a lot of questions relating to my past eye history. I would highly recommend.
- Feb. 24, 2024
Love this office! Dr. Siegel is one of the friendliest doctors I’ve come across and the staff is w... elcoming and friendly.
- Feb. 21, 2024
Great staff great experience helping me get the glasses I needed appreciate it
- Feb. 08, 2024
Very Efficient office, great communication on the status of my eye health
- Feb. 08, 2024
Friendly, professional service
- Feb. 02, 2024
A wonderful place to receive care❤️
- Feb. 02, 2024
Awesome staff and service!
- Jan. 05, 2024
This is a great team! Efficient and caring.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Dr.Ng took care of my kids and myself. She was very thorough and great with kids.
- Jan. 03, 2024
Great Doctors and staff!
- Dec. 24, 2023
Excellent service
- Dec. 08, 2023
Great experience
- Nov. 17, 2023
Great! Highly recommend.
- Sep. 06, 2023
Dr. Pieper and her staff are friendly, professional and overall amazing. I recommend them 100%.

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Dry Eyes in Mesa

Our optometry practice in Mesa

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Hours
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  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Consult Oasis Vision Center for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(480) 892-6560