Vision Therapy in Kirksville

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

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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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382 Reviews
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- Sep. 17, 2024
Very knowledgeable and caring. Great work!
- Jun. 30, 2024
Friendly, efficient, and nice facility
- May. 29, 2024
Efficient, effective services. Nice people.
- Apr. 17, 2024
excellent care and staff
- Nov. 30, 2023
Staff was polite, helpful and thorough. I felt like I recieved a thorough exam and they cared about... the health of my eye and quality of my glasses.
- Nov. 13, 2023
Very great service.
- Oct. 21, 2023
I had a rash under my left eye and called on a Friday morning and got right in to see Dr. Page about... it.
- Aug. 12, 2023
They were great. I really can't wait to get my glasses. Unfortunately out of their control the flood... ing has prevented me from being able to pick them up yet. Hopefully this week.
- Aug. 08, 2023
Wonderful, friendly staff, faster than what I thought, KEEP IT UP!🙏😁
- Jul. 20, 2023
The staff are very professional, polite, personable, and extremely wonderful!
- Jul. 09, 2023
Detailed and thorough exam, with very friendly and professional staff. I received my glasses within... a week. I would gladly recommend IEC to my family and friends.
- Jun. 12, 2023
Nice service and got our glasses back super quick!
- Jun. 03, 2023
My elderly parents have never had such wonderful care. We’ll continue to receive care with you.
- Jun. 03, 2023
They were extremely helpful accommodating my elderly parents with their order.. We will be using th... em moving forward.
- Mar. 12, 2023
Ease of making appointments and going through the exam process.
- Mar. 04, 2023
I've been going to IEC since 2000. Always great service, eyeglass lens prescriptions always accurat... e. Only issue is as an adult with small head, need kids size eyeglasses, and rarely a good selection to fit me to choose from. Eyeglass techs are not well trained to help choose eye glass frames to fit your features, not honest how glasses look on me. Comments on them rarely positive, but learned to accept how I look out of necessity.
- Feb. 08, 2023
Great treatment.
- Feb. 03, 2023
Everyone was helpfully and friendly!
- Jan. 09, 2023
Great service great Dr’s and staff!
- Jan. 08, 2023
The staff is always helpful and friendly

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Dry Eyes in Kirksville

Our optometry practice in Kirksville

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Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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Consult International Eyecare Center - Kirksville for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(660) 665-6262