Is Your Prolonged Screen Time Causing Dry Eyes?

Whether you have a computer-based job, rely on your tablet for entertainment, or use your phone frequently while on the go, the hours you’re exposed on the screen continuously add up.

In fact, it is estimated that most people spend over 10 hours a day looking at screens.

There are many benefits to having so much information at our fingertips, but at the same time there can be drawbacks as well. Researchers have coined the term Digital Eye Strain (DES) to refer to vision symptoms that affect more than 50% of people who spend time looking at screens.

How Does Screen Time Contribute to Dry Eyes?

Eyes need moisture to stay healthy and blinking is an important part of the eye’s self-lubrication system. Each time you blink you are helping to maintain your eye’s natural tear film. Our blinking frequency is reduced when we look at screens, which can disrupt the moisture balance of the eyes and cause dry eye symptoms.

Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes

If looking at screens can cause dry eyes, then it would stand to reason that we should reduce our screen time. However, we know this isn’t always possible. If significant screen time is a mandatory part of your life, there are still steps you can take to prevent dry eyes or ease the symptoms.

Blinking Exercises

Taking a moment a few times a day can prevent or relieve mild dry eye symptoms. Try this: Close your eyes. Squeeze them shut and then relax them while keeping them closed. Open your eyes and then repeat this five times. If you work in front of a computer, set a reminder to do this several times per day.

Lifestyle Changes

Reduce your screen time if possible. If your day-to-day work involves a screen, try to take periodic breaks. Other lifestyle changes that may help prevent dry eyes include quitting smoking, drinking plenty of water, and eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

An experienced ophthalmologist can assess your eyes and determine if medical treatment may be right for you.

Our ophthalmologists at Shinagawa BGC can properly assess your dry eye problems and map out a treatment plan with the use of advanced equipment.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat here on our website.