Vision Therapy in Painesville

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

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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.

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Understanding Digital Eye Strain and Its Link to Dry Eyes

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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
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297 Reviews
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- Oct. 17, 2024
Great staff!
- Aug. 27, 2024
I’ve gone to Family Eye Care for decades and even though the original doctor is gone the staff and... doctors have maintained the friendly, family and professional environment
- Aug. 26, 2024
Staff is awesome and my Dr. is the best!
- Aug. 23, 2024
Dr. Tedesco takes time with her patients and the entire staff is friendly and helpful.
- Aug. 18, 2024
Very thorough and took the time to explain. Dr. Tedesco was very helpful in decision making. It was... a pleasant experience.
- Aug. 16, 2024
Great friendly staff and thorough comprehensive process. Ten stars!
- Jul. 18, 2024
You will always be treated with warmth and friendliness here. The doctors are excellent and the sta... ff are even better.
- May. 16, 2024
Everyone here is very patient and kind. Appointment was on time and I received a thorough exam and h... ad all my questions and concerns addressed.
- May. 16, 2024
Dr. Tedesco is wonderful. She explains everything thoroughly and never rushes. There's always some a... nxiety that comes along with my visits but she has a very calm demeanor and its appriciated. The exams that I have are pretty involved but they have all the latest equipment to be able to do the job. The staff in both facilities are first class and profesional. I really can't think of one negative thing about my visit.
- May. 16, 2024
Thorough and very personal team. I only wish there were more frames in the $150 area to choose from....
- May. 10, 2024
Dr. Tedesco and her staff are incredibly helpful, and always so efficient! I’m super grateful at h... ow much time Dr. Tedesco spends with me to ensure that my glasses and contacts are perfect for my needs!! I can’t thank her enough! She is absolutely amazing!
- Apr. 23, 2024
Professional, Accommodating, and Friendly Staff that care about their clients. Dr. Tedesco and her ... crew have always gone above and beyond with their efforts of following up and making sure my Rx and comfort level were perfect for me. Their willingness to listen to and work with you all while caring for your viewing requirements are top notch.
- Mar. 25, 2024
We were impressed with Dr. Tedesco!
- Jan. 31, 2024
Dr. Kane and staff are friendly and professional.
- Jan. 22, 2024
Friendly and kind staff. The doctor was so caring and took good care of me! Thank you!
- Jan. 12, 2024
I'm so very pleased with the staff and Drs. at Painesville Family Eye care. Dr.Tedesco and all the s... taff are so very professional and personable.I would highly recommend all of them!Thank you all!!
- Dec. 27, 2023
I've seen Dr. Kane for several years and wouldn't want to go anywhere else. He's patient, listens to... all concerns and explains everything thoroughly. He's also got a great sense of humor.
- Dec. 26, 2023
Nice people and very thorough.
- Dec. 20, 2023
Great service, took time to figure out my eye issues and resolve them. Friendly staff.
- Oct. 15, 2023
Awesome staff!

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Dry Eyes in Painesville

Our optometry practice in Painesville

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Consult Family Eyecare Clinic - Painesville for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

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