Dry eye, as the name suggests, is a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. This can lead to discomfort, vision problems, and, in severe cases, damage to the front surface of the eye.
 

Digital eye strain is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use. The most common symptoms associated with digital eye strain are eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.

The Link between Dry Eye and Digital Eye Strain

Dry eye and digital eye strain are closely linked. When we use digital devices, we tend to blink less often, which can lead to dryness and irritation. This can exacerbate the symptoms of digital eye strain, creating a feedback loop that can be hard to break. The high visual demands of screen work can lead to a greater level of discomfort and visual problems in individuals with dry eye.

Digital screens often cause us to use our eyes in ways that are different from other tasks. For example, the characters on our screens are formed by pixels, which are brightest at the center and diminish in intensity towards their edges. This can make it more difficult for our eyes to maintain focus, leading to strain. In addition, the posture we adopt while using digital devices can also contribute to the development of digital eye strain.

It's also worth noting that both conditions are multifactorial, meaning they can be influenced by a variety of factors. Age, gender, workplace conditions, and lifestyle choices can all play a role in the development and severity of both dry eye and digital eye strain.

Tips to Reduce the Impact of Screen Time on Your Eyes

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate screen time from our lives, there are steps we can take to reduce its impact on our eyes. First, it's important to take regular breaks from screen work. The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help to reduce the strain on your eyes.

Another tip is to adjust the brightness, text size, and contrast on your screen to reduce the strain on your eyes. A screen that is too bright or too dim can cause discomfort, as can text that is too small or too large. It's also a good idea to position your screen so that it is slightly below eye level, as looking downwards is more comfortable for your eyes.

Finally, don't forget to blink! Blinking is essential for maintaining a healthy tear film on the surface of your eyes, which can help to prevent dry eye. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly, especially when using digital devices.

Balancing Screen Time for Better Eye Health

As we move further into the digital age, it's clear that balancing screen time for better eye health is more important than ever. Dry eye and digital eye strain are becoming increasingly common, and our screen habits are a major contributing factor.

By understanding these conditions and taking steps to reduce our risk, we can help to protect our eyes and ensure they continue to serve us well for many years to come.

To learn more about dry eye and digital eye strain, visit Look! Optometry at our office in Manhattan Beach, California. Call (310) 796-5665 to schedule an appointment today.