How Does Screen Time Contribute to Dry Eye Issues?

In our increasingly digital world, screen time has become a part of everyday life - whether it’s for work, school, or staying connected with loved ones. But while our devices keep us productive and entertained, they can also have unintended consequences on our eye health. One of the most common issues linked to prolonged screen use is dry eye.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the quality of your tears is poor, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Common symptoms include burning, itching, gritty sensations, watery eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. If left untreated, dry eye can impact your quality of life and even lead to long-term vision issues.
 

How Screen Time Contributes to Dry Eye

One of the main reasons screens worsen dry eye is because we blink less when looking at them. Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly over the surface of your eyes. On average, people blink 15-20 times per minute, but that rate drops by 2/3 during screen use. Fewer blinks mean less tear production and more evaporation, which can destabilize the tear film and irritate the eyes.
 

Additionally, staring at screens for extended periods can reduce tear quality by stressing the meibomian glands, the glands responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. This can lead to a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a common root cause of chronic dry eye.
 

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

To reduce screen-related dry eye symptoms, consider the following strategies:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Consciously blink more often: Take a few moments to do full, intentional blinks to help restore your tear film.

• Adjust your screen setup: Lower the screen so you’re looking slightly downward, reducing the surface area of the eye exposed to air.

• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, support tear production and eye health.

• Switch out video calls for teleconferences, or have in-person meetings that are discussion and not screen based.

• Limit non-essential screen time including scrolling randomly or excess time spent on social media. 
   

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If lifestyle changes don’t relieve your symptoms, it may be time to see your optometrist. At Forefront Eye Care, we can determine the underlying cause of your dry eye through a comprehensive evaluation. Pinpointing the root cause allows us to recommend personalized treatments that offer real relief.
 

We offer a wide range of advanced treatment options tailored to the root cause of your dry eye. These include treatments for improving the meibomian glands including: home eyelid care and artificial tears as well as  Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy by Optilight,  TearCare® , Lipiflow, and OptiVize.  Often medications can be helpful and in more severe cases, scleral contact lenses  create a protective reservoir of moisture over the eye’s surface. In addition to these, we provide many other personalized solutions to help manage and relieve dry eye symptoms effectively.
 

Find Dry Eye Relief at Forefront Eye Care

Screen time is an unavoidable part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to mean constant discomfort. Understanding the connection between digital device use and dry eye is the first step toward protecting your vision. With the right strategies and professional care, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
 

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation at Forefront Eye Care to find the right treatment for your needs. Visit our office in Boston, Massachusetts, or call (617) 322-0534 to book an appointment today.