Screens and Dry Eye: How to Prevent Eye Strain and Blurred Vision

Screens and Dry Eye: Why Can Your Phone Make Your Eyes Sting, Burn or Become Blurry?

Mobile phones, computers and tablets are part of everyday life. After spending several hours looking at a screen, many people notice tired eyes, burning, a gritty sensation, watering or even blurred vision.

It is often assumed that these symptoms are caused by the light emitted by screens. However, the main mechanism is usually much simpler: when we look at a screen, we blink less.

What happens when we look at a screen?

Every time we blink, we spread a thin layer of tears across the surface of the eye. This tear film keeps the cornea moist and helps us see clearly.

When we concentrate on reading, working on a computer or looking at our phone, our blink rate decreases and incomplete blinking may also become more frequent.

As a result, tears evaporate more easily and the surface of the eye can become dry.

This explains why discomfort may appear after prolonged screen use and why vision can sometimes become temporarily blurred.

Do screens damage our eyes?

Prolonged screen use can cause digital eye strain and worsen dry-eye symptoms, but there is no evidence that light from screens used under normal conditions damages the retina.

There is also no convincing evidence that special blue-light-blocking glasses prevent digital eye strain.

For most people, therefore, the important issue is not protecting the retina from the screen but using digital devices in a way that reduces visual strain and ocular dryness.

What can we do?

A few simple measures can make a significant difference.

• Take regular breaks during screen use.
• Apply the 20-20-20 rule: approximately every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Consciously blink more often.
• Position the screen slightly below eye level.
• Avoid air conditioning or fans blowing directly towards the face.
• Use artificial tears if dry-eye symptoms are present.

When should we see an ophthalmologist?

If symptoms are frequent, persist despite reducing screen exposure or require constant use of artificial tears, an eye examination is advisable.

Not all dry eye is the same. Some patients have problems with the glands in their eyelids, inflammation of the ocular surface or other factors that may require specific treatment.

In summary

Screens are part of modern life and there is no need to be afraid of them.

However, when we use them for long periods, we blink less, tears evaporate more quickly and our eyes can become dry and tired.

Regular breaks, conscious blinking and appropriate treatment of dry eye are generally much more useful than worrying about blue light from screens.