Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 11:44 IST
Prolonged screen time especially with computers, tablets, and smartphones decreases blink rates, causing the tear film to break down and the eyes to dry out
Spending long hours looking at screens up close and staying indoors with limited exposure to natural light can put extra stress on young eyes, potentially speeding up the progression of myopia
Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), can lead to dry eye symptoms due to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation while using digital devices.
Prolonged screen time especially with computers, tablets, and smartphones decreases blink rates, causing the tear film to break down and the eyes to dry out. Digital eye strain has emerged as a growing healthcare concern in recent times. By Dr. Chaitra D., Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital, Tumakuru shares all you need to know:
Online education and work-from-home setups have become the new norms since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This sedentary lifestyle, combined with excessive visual activity, impacts both ocular and general health hygiene. It’s a common issue in today’s digital world, where extended screen time is often unavoidable.
Symptoms
Symptoms of digital eye strain include eye discomfort, fatigue, dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches.
Factors Triggering Dry Eye
Reduced Blinking: When focusing on a screen, people tend to blink less frequently. Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly across the eyes and keeping them moist.
Tear Evaporation: Reduced blinking increases tear evaporation, leading to dryness and irritation.
Impact
Dry eye and other CVS symptoms can significantly impact work performance and daily activities by affecting focus and productivity. In severe cases, dry eye can be painful and may lower the overall quality of life.
Increased screen time and related eye issues have become a significant public health concern, leading to higher healthcare costs and potential productivity losses. Dry eye not only affects well-being but also contributes to a substantial economic burden.
Strategies to Prevent Dry Eye
Behavioral Modifications: Practice blinking exercises and take regular breaks using the “20-20-20″ rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Artificial Tears: Use lubricating eye drops to help keep your eyes moist.
Blue Light Filters: Consider blue light-filtering glasses or adjust your screen settings to reduce blue light exposure.
Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting and minimize glare from screens and surrounding light sources.
Regular Eye Exams: Visit an ophthalmologist regularly to detect and treat any vision problems or underlying conditions contributing to dry eye.
Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor recreational activities to reduce screen dependency and support overall eye health.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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