Vision Therapy in Monroeville

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(412) 372-2323

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.

boy playing VR game


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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459 Reviews
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- Nov. 10, 2024
Great place
- Oct. 27, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Budd for the last 15 years and have nothing but great things to say! To... day I saw Dr. Ives for the first time and she was lovely too πŸ™‚ The same is true for the front office staff; I was terribly indecisive picking out frames close to closing time and they were all so kind in helping me choose the right pair for me regardless of the time of day. So very appreciative of The Eyeglass Store!!
- Aug. 30, 2024
Dr. Budd is very thorough in explaining the exams and educating the client about what they're lookin... g at. He is clearly very passionate about what he does and you can trust him with your eye health.
- Aug. 06, 2024
Dr. Budd was very thorough in explaining cataract removal to me. He demonstrated the lense removal a... nd replacement. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
- Jul. 31, 2024
I brought my 90 year old mother in for a pair reading glasses. After getting turned away at another ... eyeglass store because they did not accept medical insurance, we walked into The Eyeglass store at 4:25 pm. They closed at 4:30. Mary was the person helping us and she graciously allowed my Mom to pick out the frames even though it was past 4:30. She was patient and helpful! Great customer service in a day and age where good customer service is rare! Thanks, Mary!
- Jun. 28, 2024
Friendly, professional doctors and staff, and flexible scheduling.
- Jun. 27, 2024
I have been going to this establishement for over a decade for my eyewear, contacts and checkup need... s. The staff is azaming and welcoming, they will go above & beyond to help you find right glasses and fit for you. The quality of frames and lenses is always great. Dr. Budd has been amazing over the years, he is thoroug and detail oriented and has helped me over the years to keep my eyes healthy. Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.
- Jan. 06, 2024
Very thorough Dr.Been to multiple eye Drs and none of them were able to tell me why my vision in one... eye is worse than the other. Customer service was also great!
- Dec. 30, 2023
Very pleasant and helpful
- Dec. 27, 2023
Very professional service at this office. All staff are knowledgeable and well trained in their role... s. My new eye doctor is excellent in her field and very caring about her patients.
- Dec. 04, 2023
Our family has been seeing Dr. J. Bud for a long time and always he was very through and extremely p... atient. Their staff is also very kind and helpful. I am a fully satisfied customer kudos to the entire team of The Eyeglass Store. Regards
- Nov. 13, 2023
Arrived about 40 minutes before close, Kelly was friendly, patient & helpful, paid no mind to the ti... me. We bought 2 pair of glasses, eager for them to come in!
- Oct. 29, 2023
Great selection of frames. Awesome customer service.
- Oct. 21, 2023
I delt with Kelli, she was very professional and and very knowledgeable. Excellent employee.
- Sep. 15, 2023
I bought a pair of Rec Specs from the Eyeglass Store mainly for cycling and they are perfect. The pe... rson who waited on me was patient, kind, and knowledgeable, and my glasses were made within one week. Highly recommend this place.
- Aug. 30, 2023
I see Dr. Kaur for my annual visits, as well as my children. She is always so pleasant, sweet, knowl... edgeable, personable and interacts great with children! She even asks my young children if they have any questions which is so considerate to give them time to talk with her about their glasses. She really takes her time and never rushes you. I cannot say enough good things about her and I highly recommend her for your eye care needs!
- Aug. 27, 2023
I can’t say enough about Dr. Budd and staff! Exceptional service and expertise! Very personable wi... th patients and answers all questions on point! Recommend 100%
- Aug. 26, 2023
As usual - great thorough examine and friendly service
- Aug. 23, 2023
I had an appointment with Dr. Bud yesterday. He was kind and informative. I have been going there fo... r several years now and will continue. However, this is not Kenneth Funk, sr, this is his wife, Margie!! 😊
- Aug. 14, 2023
I love the staff friendly and welcoming. Dr Budd is kind and attentive to your needs he makes sure ... he is treating all your eye needs with state of the art equipment. I am very satisfied. Been a patient for 6 yrs

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Dry Eyes in Monroeville

Our optometry practice in Monroeville

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Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
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  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
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  • Health America

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Consult The Eyeglass Store for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(412) 372-2323