Vision Therapy in New Holland

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

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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378 Reviews
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- Nov. 01, 2024
Great place for eye care. As long as I need glasses, I will be there!
- Oct. 31, 2024
This practice goes above and beyond for their patients. I feel very comfortable and know I am getti... ng the best care.
- Oct. 23, 2024
Everyone was friendly. I arrived 15mins before my appointment, and was seen almost immediately
- Oct. 11, 2024
Prompt and friendly service. Knowledgeable doctor. Staff was very explicit in exam procedures and do... ctor was very thorough explaining the results. Office was clean and organized. Great overall experience.
- Oct. 05, 2024
Everyone is knowledgeable, caring and friendly. Great service!
- Sep. 30, 2024
Loved the staff here. They were so warm and welcoming the moment I walked in. They were all extremel... y knowledgeable and I’m so glad I found this office.
- Sep. 04, 2024
Awesome care from the best in the business
- Jul. 17, 2024
I went in to Owens today for a comprehensive eye exam and I can easily say that this is one of the b... est Optometrist offices I have ever been to. The staff was friendly and courteous, the wait time was minimal, and it’s clear that they try to keep the latest and highest tech equipment available for their use. Dr Kauffman did my exam and was polite, personable, and incredibly thorough. He answered all of the questions I had and made sure I understood exactly what was going on inside my eyes and what each test was for. 10/10 experience, and I will continue to visit them for years to come.
- Jul. 13, 2024
Excellent service provided here! I came to establish myself as a new patient, and I am severely myop... ic needing a high prescription for both glasses and contacts. I received a thorough eye exam including screening for glaucoma and macular degeneration, had my options presented to me clearly, and had all of my questions answered, about my eye health and about cost of services. I was seen by Dr. Strybos, an intern, and another learning practitioner, all three of whom contributed positively to my care. 10/10 would recommend this practice.
- Jun. 23, 2024
Owens Optometrics is as good as it gets
- Jun. 11, 2024
So happy that Dr. Owens and his staff are keeping my vision tip-top!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Owens optometric is a well oiled machine. Everyone we met were kind and courteous and considerate. T... hey all work together as a team. I would highly recommend a Owens optometric to anyone who needed corrective vision help.
- May. 17, 2024
I highly recommend Dr. Strybos and the team at Owens Optometrics! The photos they take of the blood... vessels/nerves of the eyes are very fascinating, and Dr. Strybos takes time to review and explain them in detail, as well as compare to previous and discuss changes and risks (the vessels show a lot, such as stress from high blood pressure or indication of high blood sugar, etc.). I have learned a great deal from our conversations and refer my friends and family to him!
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Owens and his staff are awesome!
- Apr. 30, 2024
Had my appointment recently and loved the place! Super kind and helpful staff. The doctors are amazi... ng, really they listen to your concerns, the appointment didn’t feel rushed, detailed check. 100% recommend.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Dr Owens is the best.
- Apr. 17, 2024
Love my new glasses! Such a great experience at Owen’s Optimetrics. Thank you everyone!
- Apr. 09, 2024
My experience at Owens Optometrics is always a good one. The doctors and staff are friendly and kno... wledgeable. They are thorough and I never feel rushed. I feel like they give excellent care.
- Mar. 26, 2024
All those who work for Owens Optometrics are kind and caring.
- Mar. 23, 2024
I had some new “flashes” in right Eye that concerned me.

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Dry Eyes in New Holland

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Consult Owens Optometrics for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(717) 354-2251