Screen Time and Dry Eye: How Digital Devices Affect Your Vision

In our increasingly digital world, it’s no surprise that many people spend hours each day on computers, phones, and tablets. While these devices keep us connected and productive, they also place new demands on our eyes - often leading to dryness, irritation, and fatigue. Understanding how digital devices impact your tear film and overall eye comfort is the first step toward protecting your vision. 

How Screen Time Contributes to Dry Eye

When focusing on a screen, you naturally blink less - sometimes up to 60% less frequently than normal. Blinking is essential for spreading tears across your eye’s surface. Fewer blinks mean fewer fresh tears, leading to dryness and irritation.

Digital devices can also affect the quality of your tears. Concentrated focus reduces the effectiveness of the meibomian glands (the glands along your eyelids that produce vital oils for your tear film). Without these oils, your tears evaporate too quickly, causing dryness and discomfort.

Many people use screens in environments with air conditioning, fans, or heating systems - all of which speed up tear evaporation. Combined with reduced blinking, this can make screen-related dry eye worse.

What You Can Do to Reduce Dry Eye From Screen Time

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps your eyes refocus and encourages more frequent blinking.

• Increase Conscious Blinking: Make it a habit to blink fully and often while using screens. Even a small effort can significantly improve tear stability.

• Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief by replenishing your tear film throughout the day. Avoid drops marketed to “reduce redness,” as they can worsen symptoms long-term.

• Consider Nutritional Support: Omega-3 fatty acids may help support healthy tear production. Ask your doctor if supplements may be beneficial for you.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If dry eye symptoms are persistent, worsen over time, or interfere with daily tasks like reading or driving, it’s time for professional care. Chronic dry eye can become more than a nuisance  - it can affect your vision and quality of life.

Your eye doctor in Shawnee can:

• Perform a detailed dry eye evaluation

• Measure tear quantity and quality

• Check the health of your meibomian glands

• Identify underlying causes such as allergies, meibomian gland dysfunction, or hormonal changes

Early diagnosis makes treatment more effective and helps protect long-term eye health.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Options

At Vision Care Associates, we offer personalized dry eye treatment in Shawnee, KS, designed to target the root cause of your symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Prescription eye drops

• Anti-inflammatory therapies

•  Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy 

• Punctual plugs

• Autologous serum eye dropsOur goal is to restore comfort, improve tear stability, and help you enjoy your time on digital devices without irritation.

Get Relief From Screen-Related Dry Eye

Screen time is part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to mean ongoing dryness, discomfort, or blurry vision. Understanding the connection between digital devices and dry eye is the first step toward protecting your eyes - especially if you’re spending long hours on computers or mobile screens.

If dry eye symptoms are becoming a daily struggle, schedule a consultation at Vision Care Associates for personalized treatment options. Visit out office in Shawnee, Kansas, or call (913) 441-3397 to book an appointment today.