Is Your Screen Time Drying Out Your Eyes?

Screens are now a constant part of our lives, from morning emails on your laptop to evening scrolling on your phone. But spending hours in front of digital devices can come with a downside. If you’ve noticed your eyes getting itchy, burning, or just tired after long periods of screen use, you’re not alone. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can make a big difference in your daily comfort and long-term eye health.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient to keep your eyes properly lubricated. This lack of moisture can lead to symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and a gritty sensation, as if something is stuck in your eye. Dry eye can be triggered by various factors, including aging, certain medications, medical conditions, and environmental influences. Left untreated, dry eye can impact your comfort, vision, and overall quality of life.
 

How Screen Time Contributes to Dry Eyes

When you focus on a screen, your blinking rate drops significantly. Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly across the surface of your eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable. Reduced blinking means less moisture, which can cause your eyes to feel dry, gritty, or even burn. In addition, air conditioning, fans, or staring at screens in a dry indoor environment can make symptoms worse.

Common symptoms of screen-related dry eyes include:
 

• Itchiness or burning sensation

• Grittiness, as if something is in your eye

• Blurred vision

• Redness

• Watery eyes

How to Prevent Dry Eyes from Screen Time

There are practical steps you can take to help prevent or relieve digital eye strain and dryness:
 

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps your eyes relax and encourages more frequent blinking.

• Adjust Your Screen: Position your screen slightly below eye level and at a comfortable distance (about arm’s length away). Lowering your gaze can help minimize tear evaporation.

• Optimize Your Environment: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned or heated spaces.

• Take Regular Breaks: Frequent breaks from your screen give your eyes a chance to rest and recover.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy tear production.

• Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide relief, especially during long periods of screen use.

When to See Your Optometrist

If you consistently experience dry, irritated eyes despite following these tips, it may be time to schedule an appointment. Persistent dry eye symptoms can signal an underlying condition that needs professional attention. Your doctor can help identify the cause and recommend effective treatment options, which may include prescription drops, in-office therapies, or lifestyle adjustments.
 

Don’t Let Dry Eyes Slow You Down

Screen time is part of daily life, but it doesn’t have to mean living with dry, uncomfortable eyes. With the right habits and preventive measures, you can keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and focused on what matters most. 

If dryness or discomfort is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Frame & Focus Eye Care at our office in Richmond, Texas, to find lasting relief and support your eye health in a digital world. We are also happy to serve the surrounding areas, Greatwood, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Pecan Grove, Four Corners, Mission Bend, New Territory, and Sugar Land. Please call (832) 664-7900 to book an appointment today.