Vision Therapy in Providence

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(401) 331-2020

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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- Sep. 12, 2025
A remarkable place with a 5 star customer service and patients care, an outsatnding service!!
- Sep. 07, 2025
Dr. Wann is caring, friendly and explains everything in terms you can understand. He takes you step ... by step through his exam. The techs are all friendly, and knowledgeable and take you step by step. the office administrative staff , are likewise friendly , knowledgeable and work hard to help you. I had problems with my medical insurance.... they jumped on my problem fast and resolved it (even though, the fault lie with my insurance.) Advanced Eye Care Associates is the best. go there with confidence of a great eye health experience ! I've been going for 13 years.
- Sep. 02, 2025
Such a fantastic office! The staff and doctors are so nice, you can really tell they enjoy working w... ith each other. It was a great visit and I highly recommend this office.
- Aug. 30, 2025
Staff was explainative polite and helpful i was recommended for there and it was worth it Thanks e... veryone
- Aug. 30, 2025
Dr. Wan is young, intelligent, and professional. He is knowledgeable and makes you feel at ease. I�... �ve asked him questions and feel comfortable doing so.
- Aug. 07, 2025
My youngest son needed glasses and he was unsure about them until he met the girls at my local Advan... ce Eye Care and they made us both feel very comfortable and welcomed.
- Jul. 21, 2025
At Advanced Eye Care Associates, she was incredibly professional and polite. Her charisma and warm d... emeanor truly enhanced my experience, making me feel genuinely valued as a customer. I deeply appreciated her outstanding service.
- Jul. 17, 2025
I would like to state that I have a great experience at this place, like always. The technician AMBE... R is the best, polite, knowledgeable, patient and answer all my questions, I hope I have her again next time. Also Dr. Cox is the best eye dr I ever had. I’m very happy with the service, I highly recommend it.
- Jul. 13, 2025
I was very happy with the prompt, courteous care I received from walking in door thru the end of my ... appointment.
- Jul. 10, 2025
Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable. They were happy to answer my questions. The exam was thoro... ugh. The wait time before the appointment was minimal.
- Jun. 27, 2025
Professional, friendly, charming, timely and welcoming
- Jun. 07, 2025
They were amazing. Loved the Drs who helped me get my new glasses and also answered my questions abo... ut contacts. Look forward to keeping them for all my future eye appointments.
- May. 29, 2025
Everyone here is so nice. Amber and Dr. Wann are thorough and great!
- May. 13, 2025
Took my sister to drop off paperwork to get certified for ride program. We didn't know she'd need an... exam. Staff worked her in but we had to wait 2 hours. In the meantime .... we were dealing with other family issues. Tanya stepped up, offering part of her own lunch to my sister in a gesture that eased part of a difficult day. She was kind without being intrusive and showed gentle compassion. Stellar customer service from Tanya. Thank you.
- May. 06, 2025
Dr. Wann is wonderful! The team is courteous, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.
- May. 01, 2025
I would like to call out and state that I have had great experiences with Advanced Eye Care and part... icularly with an expert employee named Dex. She walked me through my purchases twice and when I needed service she went above and beyond and solved an issue in under 12 hours. She is skilled and a valuable employee. I'd recommend this business because of the overall experience, but particularly because of the exceptional service.
- Apr. 30, 2025
(Translated by Google) Very good service, the place is very nice, very attentive (Original) Muy bue... na atención el lugar es muy agradable muy atentos
- Apr. 28, 2025
The best eye care around
- Apr. 10, 2025
I've gone here for the last several years. It's always a good experience. I saw Dr. Chad this time a... nd he was great!
- Apr. 01, 2025
I was very impressed everyone at advanced eye care. I had a thorough examination even before the d... octor came in. Dr. Cox answered all my questions and I was able to order my glasses right there. Highly recommend.

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Dry Eyes in Providence

Our optometry practice in Providence

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Consult Advanced Eye Care Associates for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(401) 331-2020