Screen Time and Dry Eyes: Protect Your Vision in the Digital Age

With more people working remotely than ever before, our daily lives revolve around screens. From video meetings and spreadsheets to streaming shows after hours, extended screen time has become the norm. But this digital lifestyle comes with a downside - dry eye syndrome. Understanding what dry eye is, how remote work habits make it worse, and what you can do to protect your vision is the first step toward lasting relief.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Because tears are essential for keeping your eyes comfortable, lubricated, and healthy, any disruption in their production or quality can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. People with dry eye often experience burning or stinging, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or even a gritty sensation that feels as though something is in the eye.
 

How Screen Time Worsens Dry Eye

When you stare at a screen, your blinking rate drops dramatically. Instead of blinking around 15-20 times per minute, you may blink only 5-7 times. This reduced blinking prevents tears from spreading evenly across the eyes, causing them to dry out faster.

Blue light exposure and the prolonged focus required for digital devices can also strain the eyes, leading to irritation and discomfort. Over time, these habits may worsen underlying dry eye conditions.
 

What You Can Do to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms

You don’t have to give up your devices to protect your vision. Here are some practical tips:

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

• Use artificial tears: Lubricating drops can provide quick relief.

• Adjust your setup: Position your screen slightly below eye level and use proper lighting to reduce strain.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports tear production.
 

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If your symptoms persist despite at-home care, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. Our optometrist can determine the root cause of your dry eye, whether it’s due to poor tear quality, or another underlying condition.

During your visit, our doctor may update your prescription to reduce unnecessary strain on your eyes. In some cases, they may recommend Neurolens, a specialized lens designed to correct eye misalignment and ease related discomfort.

For patients needing more advanced care, your optometrist may suggest treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, which targets inflammation in the eyelids, or Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, which improves oil gland function to help stabilize tears. These innovative treatments go beyond temporary relief. By addressing the underlying source of your discomfort, they help restore lasting comfort and clarity.
 

Don’t Let Screen Time Control Your Comfort

Dry eye in the digital age is more common than ever, but you don’t have to live with irritation and discomfort. By taking proactive steps and visiting your eye doctor for advanced solutions, you can keep your vision sharp and your eyes healthy - even with long hours of screen time.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Silver Lake Eye Care Center to protect your vision and find lasting relief from dry eye in the digital age. Contact our office in Everett, Washington, by calling (425) 338-5400 to book an appointment today.