Vision Therapy in Baytown Town Square

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(281) 427-7374

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.

boy playing VR game


Understanding Digital Eye Strain and Its Link to Dry Eyes

woman using mobile phone

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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320 Reviews
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- Dec. 13, 2024
Amazing staff! They answered all my questions and were very friendly! I took my 3 kids today and wil... l definitely will be taking them every year!
- May. 09, 2024
Great staff and OD's
- Dec. 15, 2023
TSO has always been the place for me to come get my eyes checked here in Baytown. I brought my son h... ere today and the staff and Dr. Mathews were more than accommodating. Dr. Warford knows how to put the best team together.
- Nov. 01, 2023
From the beginning of the appointment to the end of the appointment all of the staff were very kind.... My son (6yo) was very comfortable there and they made the entire process for him fun and easy on his first time there. I will continue using this office for my exams and my sons.
- Oct. 28, 2023
Very professional, kind, timely, and informative. Highly recommended.
- Oct. 26, 2023
The doctors and staff are great at this facility. i would recommend them everyone. I was treated wit... h a great amount of respect. They were very helpful answering any questions i had
- Oct. 11, 2023
You guys welcomed a blind man off the streets with open arms. The hospitality was unbelievable. In... fact, my own momma doesn't accept me so graciously as you guys did today. God bless the entire staff! You guys are amazing My recommendations are coming your way !!!! Thank you Thank you for giving me hope again!
- Oct. 10, 2023
TSO Baytown, Tx. My husband & I had appointments today for some testing for macular degeneration, et... c, The Staff always makes us feel comfortable & they are always very helpful to answer questions, etc. Doc Chris Warford does a great job for our eye exams & glasses!! Thanks to you all 👀 👍
- Oct. 06, 2023
The whole process from exam to finish was amazing I appreciate how much Dr. Tan explained all my con... cerns and questions. And the staff is so kind and helpful I definitely could call this best eye doctor experience ever.
- Oct. 03, 2023
I received friendly and quick service. My visit with Dr. Moderhack was very enjoyable and he explain... ed everything to me in a way that I understood. Will continue to visit.
- Oct. 03, 2023
Dr.Tan is awesome. She was very detailed about my eye condition and very helpful with care instruct... ions. She is genuine, an amazing eye specialist.
- Sep. 20, 2023
When the door opens, Cecelia (or others at the front desk) greets everyone. ❤️ There was minimal... wait time before Vanessa did her preparation for me to see the doctor. I move slowly these days and she was very patient.🩷 This was my first time to see Dr. Tan. She reviewed the information Vanessa collected and explained how those results impact my vision and prognosis. 💜
- Sep. 12, 2023
First time visit for my daughter and it was an awesome experience. The staff members were respectful... , prompt, and knowledgeable! Highly recommend this team for your vision care.
- Sep. 04, 2023
Wonderful place
- Sep. 01, 2023
Fast and very nice lady
- Sep. 01, 2023
This was our first visit to TSO The doctor and staff were all friendly and helpful
- Aug. 16, 2023
First time in, and will be back. Easy process, in and out quickly. Explained everything well and mad... e the buying process easy on me. All around easy on me.
- Jul. 07, 2023
Very clean, very professional and a very polite administration team. Doctor was so kind as well. Th... ank you TSO.
- Jul. 05, 2023
Great team working with me
- Jun. 30, 2023
The people and service are fantastic. Quick and timely appointments.

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Dry Eyes in Baytown Town Square

Our optometry practice in Baytown Town Square

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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Consult Memorial Eye Center - Texas Ave, Baytown for Digital Eye Strain Relief

Although lifestyle changes can be helpful, more effective dry eye management strategies may be necessary in some cases. Memorial Eye Center - Texas Ave, Baytown 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 Memorial Eye Center - Texas Ave, Baytown to discuss dry eye management options. Let's work together to protect their eyesight and ensure a bright future.

(281) 427-7374