Can Increased Screen Time Cause Dry Eyes?

In our modern, digitally driven world, it's no secret that many of us spend a significant portion of our day staring at screens. Whether it's for work, entertainment, or communication, the prevalence of digital devices has become an integral part of our lives. However, as convenient as these technologies are, they come with potential consequences for our eye health. One such concern is the link between increased screen time and the development of dry eye, a condition that can cause discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems if left untreated.
 

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes. Tears play a crucial role in maintaining the health and lubrication of the eye's surface, and when this delicate balance is disrupted, dry eye can occur.
 

There are several potential causes of dry eye, including:

• Environmental factors (e.g., low humidity, air conditioning, or wind)
• Aging
• Certain medications (e.g., antihistamines, decongestants, and some blood pressure medications)
• Medical conditions (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders)
• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Prolonged screen time

How Prolonged Screen Time Contributes to Dry Eye

While digital devices have undoubtedly revolutionized our lives, their prolonged use can have unintended consequences for our eye health. When we focus on a screen, our blink rate decreases significantly, leading to increased tear evaporation and dryness. In addition, compared to reading, the eyes are more wide open, which makes it harder to execute full blinks.
 

The blue light emitted by screens contribute to eye strain and fatigue. Finally, it is not natural for humans to focus their eyes in a sustained manner on near objects.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

If you spend a significant amount of time in front of screens, you may experience the following symptoms of dry eye:

• Eye discomfort or irritation
• Redness or inflammation
• A gritty or burning sensation
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen as screen time increases or if other contributing factors are present.
 

Diagnostic Tests for Dry Eye

If you suspect you may be experiencing dry eye due to increased screen time or other causes, it's essential to consult with an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Several diagnostic tests may be performed to evaluate the severity and underlying causes of your dry eye, including:
 

• Meibomian Gland Evaluator: The Meibomian Gland Evaluator is a specialized device that allows your eye doctor to assess the function and health of your meibomian glands. These glands produce the oily component of your tears, which helps prevent evaporation and maintain tear film stability.
• Lipiview Ocular Surface Interferometer: The first interferometer in clinical use was invented in our office by Dr. Donald Korb. Lipiview Ocular Surface Interferometer is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses advanced imaging technology to evaluate the lipid (oil) layer of your tear film. This information can help your eye doctor determine the root cause of your dry eye and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
• Meibography: The first clinical device to image the oil glands in the eyelids was also invented in our office. By Dr. Donald Korb.  This technique that provides detailed images of your meibomian glands. By analyzing these images, your eye doctor can identify any blockages or structural abnormalities that may be contributing to your dry eye symptoms.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Once your optometrist has diagnosed the underlying cause of your dry eye, they can recommend appropriate treatment options. One of the most effective ways to manage dry eye related to increased screen time is to limit your exposure to digital devices. This can be achieved by:
 

• Taking regular breaks from screen use (e.g., following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Adjusting your workstation or device settings to reduce glare and eye strain
• Using artificial tear drops or lubricating eye drops as recommended by your eye doctor

Forefront Eye Care is one of the only facilities in New England that offers every available option for treating dry eye. This allows us to correctly personalize treatments instead of compromising on management options. A management plan should encompass an understanding of all of the lifestyle and systemic contributors to ocular surface disease. A multidisciplinary approach is sometimes required.
 

LipiFlow is an advanced treatment option that targets meibomian gland dysfunction. This procedure uses gentle heat and massage to unblock and clear the meibomian glands, improving tear film quality and reducing dry eye symptoms.
 

OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light to target and reduce inflammation in the eyelids and meibomian glands. This can help improve tear production and alleviate dry eye symptoms.
 

Tear Care is a device which heats the meibomian glands and enables a deep cleaning of the meibomian glands.
 

iLux is another device which heats the lids and allows for deep cleaning, along with meibography and a video recording of the contents of the glands which is helpful for patient education. 
 

In addition to deep cleanings, we offer medications, biologics, drops, ointments, medical contact lenses, and moisture chamber glasses.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation with Forefront Eye Care Today

In our modern, digital age, it's nearly impossible to avoid screen time altogether. However, by being mindful of the potential impact on our eye health and taking proactive measures, we can strike a balance between technology and eye comfort.
 

If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms or are concerned about the impact of increased screen time on your eye health, schedule an appointment with our experienced eye care professionals at Forefront Eye Care today. Our eye care team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, identify the underlying causes of your dry eye, and recommend personalized treatment options to help you achieve long-lasting relief and optimal eye comfort. Visit our brand newoffice in Boston, Massachusetts, or call (617) 322-0534 to book an appointment today.