Vision Therapy in Boerne

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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264 Reviews
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- Oct. 08, 2024
Staff is friendly, helpful & knowledgeable. Will continue to come for eye care needs.
- Sep. 26, 2024
It was my first eye exam so I was nervous but Dr. Kim was friendly and straight-forward with me, whi... ch I appreciated. The staff was also friendly and professional. When I went to get my glasses, they were patient while I tried on frames until I found something I liked. Overall, I think this is a great place and will be going back for any future vision needs.
- Sep. 25, 2024
The office staff will make your day as they take care of all your optical needs. Top notch customer ... service! This is what Trinity is all about!
- Sep. 25, 2024
new patient, great experience, fast professional service.Very Attentive
- Sep. 20, 2024
Great service. After the appointment, the frame explanation by Analyce was way too long and frames t... oo expensive. Dr Lee was fantastic & extremely knowledgeable
- Sep. 04, 2024
Dr. Kim and has team do a great job taking care of people eye care and ocular health. When had an ... urgent situation with my eyes and needed to be seen fast, Dr. Kim quickly made it work so he see me and do a dilated exam and photographs. The selection of eyewear choices are nice too. As I military I always appreciate when I can support another veteran and get great care.
- Sep. 04, 2024
Staff is always helpful and friendly totally recommend for your family.
- Aug. 31, 2024
Super optometrist - all new and shiny equipment!
- Jul. 26, 2024
It's difficult to find a doctor that is knowledgeable in treating dry eye syndrome. Dr. Kim special... izes in it. I'm thankful for his practice.
- Jul. 01, 2024
Dr Kim is excellent. He takes his time snd explains everything. The staff are super.
- Jun. 09, 2024
Very competent staff and a nice variety of frames.
- May. 27, 2024
The service from the office staff is excellent and the care by Dr. Kim is exceptional.
- May. 13, 2024
Awesome clinic and Awesome staff!!!
- Apr. 10, 2024
Easy to do business with. Can do attitude. Experienced. Professional. Excellent customer service.
- Mar. 18, 2024
Friendly and courteous! Appointments are always on time and efficient. Whether it's helping you pi... ck out your lenses or helping your teen with contacts the first time. Everyone takes great care of you!
- Mar. 14, 2024
I love the staff at Trinity Vision! They treat everyone like family!
- Mar. 13, 2024
Wonderful Experience!!
- Mar. 08, 2024
Great eye care in a pleasant environment and convenient location
- Mar. 06, 2024
Best ever. Couldnt find a better dr or staff of any kind anywhere.
- Feb. 27, 2024
Great staff, friendly and efficient. I've been a customer for about 20 years. Quality on glasses w... as MUCH better than cheaper optical shops.

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Dry Eyes in Boerne

Our optometry practice in Boerne

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Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Eye Med
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Consult Trinity Eye Center for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(830) 249-3898