Can You Get Dry Eyes From Using A Computer Or Watching TV?

Too much time in front of a screen can lead to dry eye. What can you do to avoid this, or treat the problem?

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Can You Get Dry Eyes From Using A Computer Or Watching TV? in PRIMARYCITY

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The Digital Impact: Screen Time and Dry Eye Syndrome

Our environment, diet, health conditions, and medications can all trigger dry eye, a bothersome condition. But, can excessive screen time contribute to it as well? The parental wisdom of not sitting too close to screens—be it TV, computer, or smartphone—may not be far off the mark. Can prolonged screen exposure actually instigate issues like dry eye syndrome?

Interestingly, the answer leans towards 'yes'. The dedicated eye care professionals at our CITY optometry clinic have found that screen-induced eye problems predominantly correlate with the duration of our digital engagement rather than proximity.

Why Screens Can Cause Dry Eye

The main way in which excessive screen use causes dry eye is because when we stare at screens, we unconsciously change how we blink. Blinking is important because each time we blink, the eyelids spread a fresh layer of tears over the surface of the eyes, keeping them moist.

While staring at screens, however, most people do not blink normally. Specifically, while looking at screens we tend to both blink less and blink incompletely (with the eyelids not closer complete). With fewer blinks (about half of the normal rate of 10 to 15 times a minute), many of which may be incomplete, the eye doesn’t receive enough moisture to keep it properly lubricated. When this happens, the eye becomes drier than it should be, and dry eye symptoms can result.

Exercises to improve blinking

Exercise 1: Spend one minute actively blinking, doing fifty full blinks in that one minute period. Look in each direction (up, down, left, right, straight) and blink ten times in each direction (5×10). When doing this exercise, make sure that your blinks are complete by placing your finger sideways under your eye above your cheekbone, pointing towards your nose. When you blink fully you should feel a gentle brush of your upper eyelashes on your finger.

Exercise 2:

Close your eyes normally, pause for 2 seconds, then open them. Next, close the eyes normally once again, pause for 2 seconds, and then forcefully close them

Hold the lids together tightly for two seconds, then open both eyes. Repeat for 1 minute.

A firm squeeze is used to ensure that the muscles responsible for closing the eyelids are being used.

Exercise 3:

Put your fingers at the corners of your eyes and blink. During correct blinking, you should not feel any movement under your fingers.

When you feel anything, you are using your defense muscles on the side of your head. Practice blinking with the goal of using your blinking muscles that are above your eyelids.

How Can Dry Eye From Screen Use Be Avoided?

The best way to prevent dry eye from screen use, as advised by our eye care professionals, is to avoid getting into a position where dry eye develops at all.

The most commonly recommended method is the 20/20/20 rule. This means that after each 20 minute period you spend looking at a screen, you should take 20 seconds to look at something at least 20 feet away. This helps give your eyes a break from the screen by utilizing far vision during these breaks, and also helps prevent computer eye strain, which can also be caused by excessive time in front of a screen.

Remember, taking care of your eyes in the digital age is crucial. If you're in CITY and experiencing any dry eye symptoms, reach out to our team of eye care professionals at 111-222-3333 for an appointment today.

How can I find an eye doctor near me?

If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in CITY, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "dry eye specialist near me."

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Common Questions

Can a computer screen cause dry eyes?

Yes, prolonged exposure to a computer screen can indeed lead to dry eyes. This happens because, while focusing on digital screens, we tend to blink less frequently and incompletely. Blinking plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health by spreading a layer of tears across the surface of the eyes, which keeps them moist and comfortable. When we blink less, or incompletely, this tear film isn't replenished as needed, leading to dryness. The condition is often referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome or Digital Eye Strain and dry eyes are a common symptom. If you're experiencing discomfort, it's worth scheduling an appointment with an eye care professional such as those at Fargo.

How do I stop dry eyes on my computer?

To alleviate dry eyes from computer use, follow the "20-20-20 rule". Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This will help relax the eye muscles and promote blinking. Additionally, adjust your monitor settings for optimal brightness and contrast to reduce eye strain. Ensure your computer screen is at eye level so you are not looking up or down for extended periods, which can exacerbate dryness. Regular eye exercises and maintaining good hydration can also help. If symptoms persist, contact an eye care clinic like Fargo at 111-222-3333.

How much screen time causes dry eyes?

There isn't a specific duration of screen time that universally leads to dry eyes. It's highly individual and depends on various factors, including one's overall eye health, working environment, screen settings, and more. However, studies suggest that individuals who use a computer for more than two hours continuously each day are more likely to experience dry eye symptoms. It's important to manage screen time, take regular breaks, and maintain proper posture and setup while using digital devices. For more personalized advice on maintaining eye health in a digital environment, you can consult with our team at Fargo.

Can You Get Dry Eyes From Using A Computer Or Watching TV?

Summary

These days, we all spend more time in front of screens than we used to, and so, dry eye resulting from too much time in front of them is getting more common. Fortunately, in most cases it can be relatively simple to take care of, though in more severe cases you will want to see a doctor. If you have additional questions, or wish to schedule a consultation, you can contact Fargo at 111-222-3333. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over STATE, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from CITY, SECONDARY1, SECONDARY2, and SECONDARY3.

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