Vision Therapy in Murrysville

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(724) 733-7770

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
4.6
142 Reviews
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- Oct. 11, 2024
Great friendly staff.
- Jul. 27, 2024
On. Time. Efficient
- Jun. 25, 2024
Dr. Randy is amazing. Validated my concerns and took the extra time to explain my diagnosis in detai... l and made sure I understood next steps. You can tell he truly cares for his patients.
- May. 03, 2024
Always great experience and care!
- Apr. 15, 2024
Excellent courteous service with prompt attention to details. Highly recommend it !
- Apr. 11, 2024
They are up to date by using modern equipment to find problems early on. Fast, friendly, knowledgeab... le and on point with their prices. I couldn't be happier. The last optometrist I went to took almost a month to get my contacts and I had to pick them up at the office. This place had my contacts mailed to me in less than a week! What a difference.
- Apr. 02, 2024
I love YOUR FAMILY EYE DOCTOR AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THEM!
- Mar. 04, 2024
Dr Chris and his staff are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He really cares about his pat... ients. I have been going here for many years and always am pleased with my experience.
- Sep. 28, 2023
Dr. Chris and staff are tremendous. I highly recommend Your Family Eye Doctors!
- Sep. 07, 2023
Dr Chris and staff are very professional, knowledgeable and courteous towards each other and patient... s. Thank You Your Family Eye Doctors—-Murrysville.
- Jun. 27, 2023
Chris C is an amazing eye dr I would recommend him to anyone
- Oct. 26, 2022
Great doctors and staff. High quality care. Great selection of frames.
- Aug. 27, 2022
I get thorough exams all the time.
- Aug. 19, 2022
Conveniently located and appear to be very knowledgeable and trusting.
- Jun. 24, 2022
Staff was friendly and very professional. I would recommend them to anyone looking for eye care.
- Jun. 24, 2022
We have been patient of Dr Chris Cacanak and Family Eye Dr practice since 1995. There has never been... a single unpleasant experience either with staff or the Dr. Excellent and very timely services. Never misguides their patient and provides the right advice to us.
- May. 01, 2022
Excellent experience with a great group of people. Dr. Cakanac is very kind and thorough. I never fe... lt rushed and everyone at the front desk was very helpful as well.
- Feb. 16, 2022
Friendly staff and Dr. Randy is very knowledgeable and helps me understand everything about my eyes!...
- Dec. 12, 2021
This is a really great practice. I never feel rushed through. They keep up on Technology and the the... Doctors are all very nice and very thorough. They also explain everything in plain terms that you can understand. They have a nice selection of eyeglasses and great care is taken to fit them. Best eye doctor I have had.
- Nov. 10, 2021
Excellent eye care from the doctors and staff. I trust Your Family Eye Doctors, in particular, Dr. R... andy Cakanac. The staff are friendly and very helpful. They are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have! If, you need to get or replace your glasses, they carry a wide variety of both stylish and practical quality frames. This, is an eye care center that you can trust with the health of your eyes!

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Dry Eyes in Murrysville

Our optometry practice in Murrysville

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Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
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  • Medicaid
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  • MetLife
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Consult Your Family Eye Doctors - Murrysville for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(724) 733-7770