Vision Therapy in Lenexa

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(913) 254-7456

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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194 Reviews
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- Oct. 15, 2024
Dr. Marr and team at the Lenexa location are beyond amazing. They are super friendly and always take... great care of me! 10/10 cannot recommend them enough!
- Oct. 04, 2024
Great place, friendly staff. Quick service.
- Sep. 16, 2024
Dr. Marr and his staff are AMAZING! I had an emergency over the weekend, they got me right in, and s... aw me on my quick lunch break. He was thorough, yet considerate of my time. He ensured I’d have enough contacts to get through my “emergency situation”, and made sure he gave me to give me the best deal for prescriptions. I cannot say enough good things about his office! I will definitely be sending my friends, patients and family his way! Thanks again guys!!!
- Aug. 27, 2024
I stopped into Insight Vision Center to have my new glasses check & Brittany was wonderful. She spot... ted a flaw on my glasses I never noticed that could throw of my vision. I actually purchased my glasses from Costco, who missed the flaw. I'm so happy Brittany spotted it. She's excellent & knows about glasses. Next time I'll use Insight.
- Jul. 12, 2024
I received a thorough eye exam, and it was taken care of by a friendly, caring staff
- Jun. 21, 2024
They are an awesome team! Lindsey provides excellent customer service and we never feel rushed. Dr. ... Marr provided us with an in depth eye exam and explained eye health concerns. He is very detailed and thorough. They are all so friendly with a great sense of humor (sorry I don't remember everyone's name).
- Jun. 06, 2024
Dr Marr is fabulous. Staff is friendly, prompt, and thorough.
- Jun. 03, 2024
Just wanted to say thank you for a great eye experience. Candid, honest, compassionate and very fun!... From scheduling to my appointment to ordering. I will be back and will highly recommend.
- May. 29, 2024
This was a clean and efficient office. The medical equipment was modern and the staff and eye docto... r (Kyle) were friendly and exceptionally easy to work with.
- May. 23, 2024
I moved over to Insight Vision Center for my eye care May 2024 and I was quite pleased. I told my w... ife & she just saw them as well. I would recommend Dr Marr.
- May. 22, 2024
Highly recommend! Dr. Marr was thorough in his testing and assessment. The glasses I received per ... his prescription was spot-on. Super-friendly staff and ease of scheduling made the experience even better. If you're looking for a new vision-provider, you should definitely put these folks at the top of your list. Right off K-10 and Woodland, they're easily accessible.
- May. 17, 2024
Love this insight location in Lenexa. Doctor is the best and staff is great.
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Marr provided excellent care and was very professional. Took time to explain different options ... and had a great recommendation for me. The staff in the office were very polite and got me an appointment that same day. I give them 6 stars!!
- May. 11, 2024
Knowledgeable staff in a friendly no pressure environment
- May. 04, 2024
Very friendly staff! I feel like they always take the time to ease any worries or concerns with my v... ision and explain things in a way that makes sense to me.
- May. 02, 2024
The second you walk in the door, Lindsay and the office staff are willing to help in any way possibl... e to Dr. Marr's quality and beneficial eye exam, it's just always a great experience!
- Apr. 23, 2024
I highly recommend Insight Vision Center (Lenexa). The staff is very respectful, and the Dr Kyle Maa... r is very knowledgeable and kind.
- Apr. 01, 2024
Great staff. Very responsive. Dr. Marr goes above and beyond.
- Mar. 11, 2024
I have been going to Insight Vision Center for several years now. I love the care I receive from the... entire staff. The team there is efficient and work with patients to give them the best care possible. I especially like that I can purchase glasses where I received my exam. Thanks, Insight team!
- Jan. 31, 2024
Quality eye care. Very professional and understanding about all eye care needs.

View All 194 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Lenexa

Our optometry practice in Lenexa

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Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Consult Insight Vision Center - Lenexa for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(913) 254-7456