Is excessive screen time causing a dry eye epidemic?
In today’s hyperconnected world, we spend more time staring at screens than ever before. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and televisions, screen time is no longer a luxury – it’s a daily necessity. But as our screen habits increase, so do complaints about tired, burning or gritty eyes. Could excessive screen time be fuelling a dry eye epidemic?
July is Dry Eye Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to explore what’s happening behind the screen – and what you can do to protect your eyes.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the quality of your tears is poor. This leads to discomfort, redness, blurred vision and a persistent feeling of dryness or grittiness in the eyes.
Common symptoms include:
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Eye fatigue
- Watery eyes (yes, ironically)
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
Dry eye is not only uncomfortable, but if left untreated it can cause inflammation, corneal damage and raise the risk of infection. Although dry eye does not directly cause cataracts, the two often go hand‑in‑hand – both are linked to ageing and chronic inflammation. Untreated ocular surface disease may complicate cataract surgery, impair healing and affect visual outcomes. Thus, managing dry eye is essential for overall eye health and supporting optimal cataract care.
The Digital Connection: How Screens Affect Your Eyes
When you look at a screen, your blink rate drops dramatically – from a normal 15–20 times per minute to as low as 5–7. Blinking is how your eyes naturally moisturise themselves. Less blinking means less tear distribution, leading to faster evaporation and – unsurprisingly – dry eyes.
Other screen-related triggers include:
- Blue light exposure, which may contribute to eye strain
- Prolonged focus without breaks, which leads to fatigue
- Indoor environments (such as air conditioning and artificial lighting), which can worsen symptoms
Combine this with hours of streaming, video calls or endless scrolling, and it’s easy to see why dry eye is on the rise.
Is It Really an Epidemic?
While “epidemic” is a strong word, eye care professionals are seeing a sharp uptick in patients complaining about digital eye strain and dry eye symptoms. A 2023 study in Ophthalmology Times reported that over 70% of adults who use screens for more than 6 hours a day experience dry eye symptoms regularly.
And it’s not just adults – children and teens spending hours on remote learning or gaming are also reporting early signs of dry eye.
Dry Eye Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that this condition is far more common than many realise – and often goes undiagnosed or untreated.
What You Can Do About It
The good news? You can take simple steps to protect your eyes without giving up your devices.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps relax your eye muscles and encourages blinking.
Use Artificial Tears
Preservative-free eye drops can help keep your eyes moist throughout the day.
Check Your Environment
Use a humidifier, reduce direct airflow, and ensure your screens are set to a comfortable brightness and contrast.
Blink – Intentionally
Train yourself to blink more fully and frequently when using screens.
Consider Blue Light Filters
They don’t cure dry eye, but they may reduce overall strain, especially at night.
Final Thoughts: Time to Look Closer
It’s clear that our screen-heavy lifestyles are taking a toll on our eyes. While not every case of dry eye is caused by screen time, there is no doubt it plays a significant role in the growing number of cases.
Dry Eye Awareness Month is a great opportunity to assess your eye health and take small but meaningful steps towards prevention. Protecting your eyes doesn’t mean disconnecting completely – it means becoming more mindful of how you use your devices. Your vision is worth it.