Screens have become a huge part of our everyday lives. Whether it’s working at home on a computer, scrolling through social media on a phone, or watching a favorite show on TV, many of us spend hours each day looking at screens. However, all that screen time can take a toll on your eyes and cause issues like dry eyes.
Dry eye happens when your eyes aren’t producing enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep them properly lubricated. Staring at screens doesn’t help since we blink less often when focusing on our devices. Blinking spreads tears across the surface of our eyes, keeping them moist. When we blink less, our eyes dry out, leading to the burning, stinging, or gritty feeling commonly associated with dry eye. Additionally, staring at a screen for long periods can strain the eyes, making existing dry eye symptoms worse.
Here are some everyday adjustments you can make to reduce dry eye symptoms:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Following the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent eye strain caused by too much screen time. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance to reset and prevents strain. It can make a big difference in how your eyes feel after a long day on your computer or phone.
2. Blink more often
Remembering to blink more can help keep your eyes from drying out. We blink less when staring at screens, so try to be mindful and blink more often to keep your eyes moist. You can even do “blink exercises” by consciously closing your eyes every few minutes.
3. Adjust your screen settings
Your screen setup can have a huge impact on your eye comfort. Make sure your screen is at eye level or slightly below—it’s more natural for your eyes and encourages more frequent blinking. Adjust the brightness to match your surroundings and reduce the glare that can contribute to eye strain. You can also increase the text size so you’re not squinting or straining to read small print.
4. Take regular breaks
Give your eyes a break by stepping away from your screen for a few minutes every hour. Even a short walk around the room or looking out the window can give your eyes time to relax and rehydrate.
5. Use artificial tears
Artificial tear drops can help restore moisture to your eyes, especially if you spend a lot of time on screens. There are many over-the-counter options available, but it’s always a good idea to check with your eye doctor for the best recommendation.
6. Control your environment
Dry air can worsen dry eye symptoms, especially if you’re working in a space with air conditioning or heating. A humidifier can add moisture to the air to prevent your eyes from drying out as quickly. You can also adjust the air vents in your home or office to keep air from blowing directly into your face.
7. Wear blue light-blocking glasses
Blue light from digital screens can contribute to eye strain and make your eyes feel even more tired. Blue light-blocking glasses reduce the amount of blue light your eyes absorb, which can help with both dry eye and eye fatigue.
When to see an eye doctor
If your dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, it might be time to see an eye doctor. At True Focus Eye Care, we offer personalized dry eye treatment in Port Richey to help you find lasting relief. Based on your diagnosis, our experienced eye doctors will recommend a customized treatment plan that could include prescription eye drops and medications, lifestyle changes, or advanced treatments to restore your eye’s moisture and improve your eye health. Schedule an appointment today, and let us help you keep your eyes feeling their best.
You can also find over 400 doctor-approved dry eye products through Dry Eye Rescue. Use our discount code TRUEFOCUS to get 20% off your order!