Vision Therapy in Livonia

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(734) 525-8170

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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398 Reviews
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- Sep. 19, 2024
Amber is amazing to work with and extremely helpful
- Aug. 30, 2024
I always appreciate their professionalism while making me feel like part of the family.
- Aug. 28, 2024
All the staff was very good and helpful Amber and Andrew are awesome!
- Jul. 24, 2024
Great group of people that work there and the service is excellent
- Jul. 18, 2024
Dr. Jacobi is a very knowledgeable and detailed doctor. He is also very funny and makes you feel com... fortable.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Suburban Eye Care provide the latest in eye technology and eye care services
- Jun. 20, 2024
Excellent place for Vision Therapy! Our child was struggling with reading and below grade level and ... after working with the therapists here, he’s made huge improvements and loves to read. We’re very happy with the program!
- Jun. 12, 2024
There is nothing that needs to be changed about this place. From the initial phone call to every ap... pointment we've had has been beyond 5 stars. I've recommended my sister as well. Dr Arnold....don't ever leave. I'll follow you. Love the entire staff.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Vision Therapy was the best thing for my daughter. She really struggled with reading. We went to the... eye doctor and was told her eyes were fine. Then spoke with a friend whose daughter was currently in VT and the symptoms she said she had were what my daughter had. We made an appointment to Suburban and she spent the next 9 months in VT. There were times where it was hard and we didn’t know if we could make it through some of the activities each week but we did and the growth she showed was amazing. Her grades have improved especially in reading and spelling. We are so grateful for VT!
- May. 27, 2024
excellent eye care, very friendly and efficient admin staff.
- May. 22, 2024
The best eye care in Michigan! Period!
- May. 22, 2024
They really took the time to make sure my son had a thorough eye exam. Rachel was awesome!
- May. 18, 2024
Wonderful recent appointment with Dr Arnold and the team at Suburban Eye Care! Assistants were very ... friendly as well and the selections of frames is unmatched!
- May. 10, 2024
I've been going to Suburban Eye Care for many years. The staff had always been friendly and profess... ional. The staff explains each step of the exam and Dr. Arnold is very thorough and answers any questions I may have. I am very pleased with my experiences here.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Best eye care place to take small children, or overly hyperactive children. Highly recommend.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Dr Arnold and his team are absolutely meticulous in my patient care and my pursuit of perfect vision... . I appreciate Dr Arnold and highly recommend him for your vision care needs. I drive 30 minutes past hundreds of other optometrists to get care by Dr Arnold and his team.
- Apr. 09, 2024
I recently graduated from vision therapy and it helped me a lot. The main reason why I started it is... because I would constantly see double which would bother me when I was doing drivers training therefore I wasn't able to drive for a while. The process is a year long but it goes by quickly and it's actually legit. I am able to control my eyes more and the staff there were very kind and opened to talk to. I would different recommend anyone with similar issues to try it out.
- Mar. 22, 2024
Dr Jacobi is an excellent optometrist, highly recommended.
- Feb. 01, 2024
I always receive efficient and excellent care from all staff.
- Jan. 26, 2024
It's a "sensation place - great vibes - excellent doctor - excellent staff - always leave feeling su... perb about vision ... l l

View All 398 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Livonia

Our optometry practice in Livonia

Photograph of Kayla  Smith
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Consult Suburban 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. Suburban 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 Suburban Eye Care to discuss dry eye management options. Let's work together to protect their eyesight and ensure a bright future.

(734) 525-8170