Vision Therapy in Lake Mary

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(407) 333-7333

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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383 Reviews
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- Oct. 04, 2024
Great service and great people.
- Oct. 03, 2024
Brad took care of my problem immediately
- Sep. 27, 2024
Great service.
- Sep. 27, 2024
Great staff and service!
- Sep. 16, 2024
Always great customer service and caring team.
- Sep. 05, 2024
Welcoming staff that pays attention to detail and looks out for your best interests. Dr. Logan is si... mply a joy.
- Sep. 02, 2024
Everyone was very professional caring and friendly! Thank you!
- Sep. 01, 2024
Great Dr. and staff. Very knowledgeable and helpful. I’ll definitely stay with Logan Eye Care. I h... ighly recommend them.
- Jul. 18, 2024
This is a practice filled with people who care. They take the time to ask good questions, listen to ... what you have to say, and treat you as just a number
- Jul. 09, 2024
Great staff, efficient and knowledgeable practice.
- Jul. 05, 2024
Great staff and Eye Doctors!
- Jul. 01, 2024
It was a pleasant experience from start to finish! The doctor and staff were very knowledgeable, fri... endly, and caring! Thank you!!!😉
- Jun. 20, 2024
Ive been seeing an optometrist for many decades and this was the most comprehensive examination I’... ve ever had. Dr. Hilderby and the entire staff were welcoming, professional and a pleasure to wok with for my eye care.
- May. 30, 2024
Some years ago, my Mom was a patient of Dr. Logan, then I started seeing her as well. Not sure why w... e lost her contact etc...perhaps insurance differences. Nevertheless, I saw her yesterday, and I have to say, there were no surprises. Dr. Logan was very professional and kind. She is cheerful and a delight to talk with. She answers your questions and let you know what is happening. It is no wonder her staff has somewhat the same demeanor. Thank you for being who I have always known you to be....
- May. 21, 2024
Logan eye care is a collection of professional and friendly people.
- May. 18, 2024
Very personable team and extremely thorough evaluation
- May. 10, 2024
The experience was great ! The staff cares for the patients and enjoy their jobs .
- May. 10, 2024
Big thank you to Dr. Logan and her staff, Tori, Tracy, Diane, Gabe, and Brad. I hope I got the names... right as I have lost the little card I wrote them on. My husband and I have been with this practice for about 2 years now. When you walk in the door, Tracy and Tori greet you with a smile. They've also been easy to speak with when I've called in to ask questions. Diane brought me back probably less than 5 minutes from arrival and was super sweet while administering those initial tests like the air puff intraocular pressure test - ugh! Gabe was equally as helpful and friendly like when I had to have the eye drops placed in my eyes for dilation. I'm extra-sensitive when it comes to anything coming near my eyes and the staff are understanding and compassionate about it. Dr. Logan doesn't rush through the visit and is thorough with her examination /assessment. Last but not least, Brad offers great recommendations and information regarding the various options for frames but I never felt pressured to commit to a purchase. Everyone here set the standard for how to treat patients. Thank you all!
- May. 08, 2024
While maintaining professionalism, the staff made you feel comfortable and explained each process. ... Kudos to everyone.
- May. 06, 2024
I have been going to Logan Eye Care for quite a few years now and have always been pleased with the ... kindness, professionalism and quality care that I have received

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Dry Eyes in Lake Mary

Our optometry practice in Lake Mary

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • EyeMed
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare PPO Only
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Only
  • Cigna PPO Only
  • Aetna PPO Only
  • Humana PPO Only
  • UMR
  • Medicare

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Consult Logan Eye Care for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(407) 333-7333