How Digital Devices Cause Dry Eye and What You Can Do About It

Digital screens are woven into nearly every part of modern life - from work and school to entertainment and communication. While this constant connectivity offers convenience, it also places increased strain on our eyes. One of the most common results of prolonged screen use is dry eye, a condition that can cause ongoing discomfort and impact visual clarity if left untreated.

How Digital Devices Contribute to Dry Eye

When focusing on screens, people blink up to 50% less often than normal. Blinking spreads tears evenly across the surface of the eye, keeping it moist and protected. Fewer blinks mean tears evaporate faster, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

Digital screens require sustained focus, often causing eyes to remain open longer without fully closing during blinks. This incomplete blinking prevents tears from properly coating the eye, allowing moisture to evaporate too quickly.

Glare, poor lighting, and improper screen distance can increase eye strain. This strain can worsen dry eye symptoms by forcing the eyes to work harder and stay focused longer without natural rest.

Common Symptoms of Digital Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Redness or irritation

• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Excessive tearing

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Eye fatigue, especially after screen use

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate more than occasional dryness.

What You Can Do to Reduce Dry Eye from Screens

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

• Blink More Intentionally: Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently, especially during prolonged screen use.

• Adjust Your Screen Setup: Position screens slightly below eye level to reduce eye opening. Reduce glare with screen filters or proper lighting. Increase font size to minimize eye strain

• Use Artificial Tears: Preservative-free lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief, especially during long workdays. However, frequent reliance on drops may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

• Maintain Regular Eye Exams: Keeping your prescription up to date helps reduce unnecessary eye strain. Your eye doctor can also recommend lens options designed to improve comfort during extended screen use.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments aren’t providing lasting relief, it’s time to see your eye doctor. Chronic dry eye is a medical condition that can worsen over time without proper care.

At Lake Lanier Eye Care, dry eye evaluations can identify the root cause of your symptoms - whether it’s tear quality, meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation, or environmental factors. In-office therapies such as LipiFlow, which uses controlled heat and gentle pressure to unclog blocked oil glands, as well as OCuSOFT® Thermal 1-Touch™, a convenient in-office heat therapy designed to improve gland function and tear stability. These targeted treatments are designed to restore healthy tear production, protect the ocular surface, and provide longer-lasting relief.

Get Personalized Solutions for Today’s Screen-Heavy Lifestyle

Digital devices aren’t going away, but chronic dry eye doesn’t have to be part of daily life. Understanding how screens affect your eyes and taking proactive steps can reduce discomfort and protect your vision. If dry eye symptoms persist, professional care is essential to prevent progression and restore lasting relief.

If screen time is leaving your eyes dry, irritated, or fatigued, schedule a consultation at Lake Lanier Eye Care to learn more about treatment options. Visit our office in Sugar Hill, Georgia, or call (678) 926-3525 to book an appointment today.