Vision Therapy in Sylvan Grove

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

(913) 648-2021

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
4.9
112 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Sep. 03, 2025
5 stars ! Great experience with the friendly staff and Dr Bozsa ( Lauren ) took great care of me . ... I had a terrible eye infection with great pain . Luckily , they were able get me in within a few hours . Felt great within 24 hours . I’d recommend highly !! Thx again
- Aug. 24, 2025
Friendly office staff who calls with reminders and stays on top my frame orders. But Dr Mary H. Is t... he best. She carefully and genuinely listens. She has quickly returned calls even after hours. Dr. Mary H. Goes beyond expectations to care for her patients.
- Aug. 19, 2025
She is good and easy to communicate with. But don’t send people to the ER
- Aug. 14, 2025
Staff were very knowledgeable and kind. Atmosphere was upbeat and pleasant.
- Jul. 22, 2025
Best eye doctor i’ve ever been to. Dr. H is so kind and informative, their staff is so nice too!!
- Jul. 07, 2025
Quality service!
- Jun. 14, 2025
Dr. Mary is wonderful. I have received great care through the years and am very appreciative of it.
- May. 24, 2025
All excellent professional care over decades.
- May. 23, 2025
A very professional and knowledgeable Team, yet warm and welcoming.
- May. 15, 2025
BRITTANY is awesome!
- May. 12, 2025
Everyone is super helpful, answers your questions and you can tell they care.
- Jan. 12, 2025
I have always received excellent eye care at Windmill Eye Associates. Friendly, professional, effici... ent, caring, and thorough.
- Jan. 01, 2025
Dr. Mary Hemphill is the absolute best. I've been seeing her for decades and honestly look forward t... o every single visit. My kids now see her as well and it's clear that they have the same type of experience that I always do. She never feels like she's too busy for you, is SO knowledgable and professional yet so friendly and personable.
- Nov. 22, 2024
Great customer service experienced!
- Oct. 16, 2024
The staff is wonderful and Dr. Mary is my favorite for all things "EYES."
- Sep. 07, 2024
Dr. Mary is fantastic! She is smart and a great educator!
- Sep. 04, 2024
Dr. Mary is the best. She takes time to listen and thoroughly address every concern I have. She trea... ts my young kids with compassion and treats them as individuals. Front desk staff is friendly. The check in/out process was fast.
- Aug. 30, 2024
Dr Mary and her staff are wonderful! Check them out!
- Aug. 02, 2024
I've been going to Windmill Eye Associates for years and will continue doing so after a previous vis... it. The staff is very friendly, attentive and professional. I felt I learned something valuable based on the time the doctor took to explain in a way I could understand. 10 out of 10 experience!
- May. 02, 2024
Very friendly staff. The Dr. Is very knowledgeable and friendly.

View All 112 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Sylvan Grove

Our optometry practice in Sylvan Grove

Photograph of Mary Hemphill
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • AARP
  • Aarp Medicare Advantage
  • Allways Health Partners
  • Ambetter
  • Avesis
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City
  • Cigna
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Heritage Vision Plans
  • Humana
  • Aetna Better Health
  • KanCare
  • Medicaid
  • March Vision Care
  • Medicare Part B
  • Multiplan
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Spectera
  • Tricare
  • TriWest
  • UMR
  • VBA
  • Vision Care Direct
  • VSP
  • WellCare

man using computer

Consult Windmill Eye Associates for Digital Eye Strain Relief

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

(913) 648-2021