Vision Therapy in Lacey

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.

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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436 Reviews
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- Feb. 09, 2025
Friendly. Explained all tests and results.
- Jan. 15, 2025
medical care is great. I trust them.
- Jan. 13, 2025
Fantastic service and really nice people.
- Jan. 10, 2025
Terrific all around!
- Dec. 28, 2024
From the beginning the staff helped us at all times. The doctor was very kind and took the necessary... time to examine my child and was willing to answer our questions.
- Dec. 13, 2024
The whole staff is amazing- from the secretary’s to the eyeglass staff, and to The doctors and the... ir assistants. Check in is smooth and effortless. I’ve been coming to this clinic for nearly 20 Years (if not more)! And Within those years of seeing Michelle and Barb(ara) have been amazing to say the least! I always feel So Relaxed, happy, & blessed. We’ve clicked instantly (like long lost friends) for the years Barb/ Michelle have been there. I enjoy their company and the laughs we have. It does help That Michelle is a military spouse so that’s an added bonus!!! I wouldn’t trade them for The world and when I move to Tacoma area I’ll still keep Hawks prairie vision clinic my main eye care solution!
- Dec. 03, 2024
Staff is super friendly, helpful and your appointment time is accurate, no waiting, so arrive early....
- Nov. 27, 2024
Oh my God that Dr Michelle is always happy and she makes me happy she is energized I really like her... and I would recommend her to anyone
- Nov. 13, 2024
Been going here for years because of the excellent service and friendly personnel.
- Nov. 10, 2024
Dr. Michelle Durham is genuine and engages with you.
- Nov. 08, 2024
Hawks Prairie Vision Clinic gives wonderful service. The technicians and doctors have taken great c... are with my eyes for years! I sincerely recommend the clinic. They have a nice selection of frames, as well.
- Nov. 06, 2024
I'm so glad this place exists...
- Oct. 23, 2024
Great staff and eye Dr took time to listen and treat me correctly. I felt very comfortable. Definite... ly will go back and use them for eye care needs.
- Oct. 20, 2024
We have been going here for years, and we will never go anywhere else. The Dr. is amazingly accurate... and he is more than great with kids. My grandson is autistic so I thought it couldn't be done, he enjoyed his experience, and now he is doing better in school. The place is clean and the staff is great! Even with my insurance they don't treat us any different. Love, love, love.
- Oct. 18, 2024
Wonderful experience with Hawk's Prairie Vision Clinic -from check-in to final prescription for glas... ses.
- Oct. 14, 2024
Very nice staff, Dr. Michelle Durham is excellent, and the office is close by!
- Oct. 11, 2024
Very welcoming and personable .
- Oct. 06, 2024
I have found Hawk's Prairie Vision Clinic to have quality vision help and great choose of glasses an... d prices. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I will be going back as long as I live in the sound area.
- Oct. 01, 2024
Very professional, they made my 5 year old comfortable and talked her through which frame fit best.
- Oct. 01, 2024
Friendly staff,professional and on tone.

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Dry Eyes in Lacey

Our optometry practice in Lacey

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Consult Hawk's Prairie Vision Clinic for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(360) 459-3333