Emma spends most of her workday in front of a computer, then unwinds by scrolling through her phone or watching TV. Lately, her eyes have felt dry, irritated, and tired, making it harder to focus by the end of the day. If you can relate, you’re not alone—screen time is a major cause of dry eye syndrome, and many people experience discomfort from prolonged use of digital devices.
At Medical Arts Optical, we help patients in Hot Springs understand the impact of screen time on their eyes and provide solutions to keep them comfortable. If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes after using screens, here’s what you need to know.
Why Does Screen Time Cause Dry Eye?
Every time you blink, your eyes produce tears that moisturize and protect the surface of your eye. However, studies show that when using digital screens, people blink up to 50% less than normal. Fewer blinks mean less moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and blurry vision.
Other Factors That Contribute to Dry Eye from Screens
- Blue light exposure – Digital screens emit blue light, which can cause eye strain and increase discomfort.
- Poor screen positioning – Looking at a screen that is too high or too close can make blinking less effective.
- Air-conditioned or heated environments – Many offices and homes have dry indoor air, which speeds up tear evaporation.
Dry Eye Symptoms from Screen Use
If you spend long hours on your computer, tablet, or phone, you may experience:
- Red, irritated eyes
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Blurry vision, especially after prolonged screen time
- Eye fatigue and discomfort
- Excessive tearing (a reaction to dryness)
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to chronic dry eye, making everyday activities like reading or driving more uncomfortable.
How to Reduce Dry Eye from Screen Time
The good news? You don’t have to give up screens completely to protect your eyes. Here are simple ways to prevent and relieve dry eye while using digital devices.
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Give your eyes a break from the computer screen. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax your eye muscles and encourages blinking.
2. Blink More Often
Make a habit of blinking fully and frequently, especially when working on a screen. If your eyes feel dry, try artificial tears to keep them lubricated.
3. Adjust Your Screen Setup
- Keep your screen at eye level or slightly below to encourage natural blinking.
- Reduce glare by adjusting brightness or using an anti-glare screen filter.
- Increase text size to reduce strain on your eyes.
4. Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly—a simple fix for dry indoor environments.
5. Wear Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Blue light exposure can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. Wearing blue light-blocking lenses or enabling night mode on your devices may help.
6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Eye-Healthy Foods
Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and flaxseeds, can support tear production and eye hydration.
Medical Arts Optical Can Help with Dry Eye Relief
If dry, irritated eyes are making your screen time uncomfortable, it’s time to take action. At Medical Arts Optical in Hot Springs, we offer comprehensive dry eye evaluations and personalized treatment options to help you find lasting relief.
Schedule an appointment at Medical Arts Optical in Hot Springs and keep your eyes comfortable, even in a digital world.