In today’s digital world, most of us spend hours in front of screens. While technology makes life more convenient, excessive screen time can take a toll on your eyes. One of the most common issues we see at Westchester Eyes is dry eye, and screen use is a major contributing factor.

The Link Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to stay properly lubricated. One of the primary causes is reduced blinking, which often happens when we focus on screens. Normally, we blink around 15 to 20 times per minute. But during screen use, that rate can drop by half, leading to increased tear evaporation and eye dryness. Prolonged screen exposure can also cause your eyes to strain, become irritated, or feel tired. Over time, this can worsen dry eye symptoms and affect your vision and comfort.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

If you spend several hours a day in front of a screen, you may start to notice symptoms such as:

• A gritty or burning sensation

• Blurred vision that improves with blinking

• Redness or irritation

• Watery eyes

• Light sensitivity

These symptoms may come and go at first but can become more persistent if left untreated.

What You Can Do at Home

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce the impact of screen time on your eye health:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce strain and gives your eyes a chance to blink and rehydrate.

• Adjust Your Screen Settings: Increase text size, reduce screen brightness, and use blue light filters to make viewing more comfortable.

• Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can offer temporary relief. Avoid drops that claim to reduce redness, as they may worsen dryness over time.

• Maintain Good Humidity: Using a humidifier in your home or office can prevent the air from drying out your eyes.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If lifestyle changes do not relieve your symptoms, it may be time to see an eye care professional. At Westchester Eyes, we provide personalized recommendations based on your unique needs. Through a comprehensive evaluation, we can diagnose the underlying cause of your dry eye and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

Our advanced dry eye treatments are designed to target both the symptoms and root causes of dry eye. Depending on your condition, we may recommend prescription eye drops to improve tear production. For patients who struggle with tear evaporation, we may use punctal plugs to help retain moisture on the eye surface.

Additionally, thermal eyelid treatments can be used to unclog blocked oil glands, which are often responsible for evaporative dry eye. We also offer in-office therapies that are designed to reduce inflammation, restore comfort, and improve the overall quality of your tear film.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Dry eye caused by screen time can interfere with your productivity, comfort, and long-term eye health. If at-home solutions aren't enough, professional care can make a meaningful difference.

Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Westchester Eyes to find long-lasting relief and protect your eye health. Contact our offices in Yonkers, White Plains, or Pleasantville, New York, by calling (914) 586-EYES (3937) to book an appointment today.