Vision Therapy in Commerce City

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

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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371 Reviews
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- Mar. 16, 2025
I’ve been going to North Range for a long time The experience is always great, Drs are very unders... tanding of your concerns.
- Mar. 14, 2025
Really nice ladies
- Mar. 11, 2025
Dr Taylor was the best
- Mar. 09, 2025
Everyone here is absolutely amazing!! I love coming in to see them!
- Mar. 01, 2025
Nice facility, staff is professional & friendly!
- Feb. 27, 2025
North Range Eye Care did an amazing job fixing my vision, and I couldn’t be happier with the resul... ts. Thanks to their thorough eye exam and precise prescription, I can now play pool with perfect clarity and work on the computer without any strain. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole process smooth, from testing to picking out the right lenses. Their expertise has truly improved my daily life, and I highly recommend them for anyone needing top-quality eye care!
- Feb. 26, 2025
North Range Eye Care has a great team of people working together. They are friendly and always help... ful.
- Feb. 24, 2025
Very professional, helped me with everything I needed. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for... a great eye doctor.
- Feb. 24, 2025
Friendly staff fast services
- Feb. 10, 2025
The most amazing eye care place I’ve ever been to’
- Jan. 28, 2025
Awesome and organized staff!
- Jan. 25, 2025
This clinic has always had kind, caring and professional staff. They also have the latest technology... for your eye care. My previous eye doctor was living in the stone ages using air still to read eye pressure. My favorite doctor moved away but the current doctors have been great.
- Dec. 12, 2024
Fast, efficient and friendly service.
- Dec. 08, 2024
Great experience and love my new glasses. They were very kind with me as I was nursing several broke... n bones when I came in to get glasses that were destroyed in a crash. Came in quite a bit earlier than expected too, even with the Thanksgiving holiday slowing things down.
- Dec. 04, 2024
great staff, very thorough exam and gave me VA benefits. Highly recommend.
- Nov. 28, 2024
Awesome Staff and Providers! Diagnosis from past eye care locations was incorrect. They also found i... tems others missed! They took their time and very caring! Highly recommend this office!
- Nov. 25, 2024
Great doctor
- Nov. 24, 2024
The staff have always been friendly and attentive. I’ve always been pleased with the service my so... n and I have received here.
- Nov. 18, 2024
Just excellent, caring, thorough, and every staff member was so helpful and professional. The office... is new, comfortable and a great selection of affordable eyeglasses. Great, diverse and compassionate staff. We went for my husband who has had bad experiences and now likes it, too, and I came away with two new pairs of eyeglasses, too, that I love.
- Nov. 09, 2024
I have been going here for the last 3 years since we moved to the area. I have always had a very pl... easant experience. Would recommend.

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Dry Eyes in Commerce City

Our optometry practice in Commerce City

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  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
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Consult North Range Eye Care for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(720) 499-8349