Can Screen Time Affect Your Eyes and Contribute to Dry Eye?

In today’s digital world, it’s hard to avoid screens. Whether it’s working on a computer, scrolling through a phone, or watching TV, many of us spend hours each day in front of digital devices. But have you ever noticed your eyes feeling tired, irritated, or dry after prolonged screen use? If so, you’re not alone. Increasing evidence shows that screen time can contribute to dry eye syndrome, making it important to understand why this happens, when to see your eye doctor, and the advanced treatments available to help.
 

How Screen Time Impacts Your Eyes

Every time you focus on a screen, your blink rate naturally decreases. Blinking is essential because it spreads tears evenly across your eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable. When you blink less often, your tears evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness, burning, and blurred vision.
 

Other factors such as air conditioning, heating, or sitting too close to your device can further worsen symptoms. Over time, chronic dry eye not only causes discomfort but can also affect your quality of life and productivity.
 

When to See Your Eye Doctor

Occasional eye fatigue from screen time is common, but if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it may be time to schedule an appointment. Some signs to look out for include:
 

•          Eyes that feel gritty, scratchy, or irritated

•          Frequent watering or redness

•          Blurry or fluctuating vision

•          Eye discomfort that worsens throughout the day
 

If left untreated, dry eye can progress and lead to more serious complications. An eye doctor can perform tests to identify the underlying cause and recommend treatments tailored to your needs.
 

Advanced Treatment with MiBo ThermoFlo

At Somerville Family Eyecare, LLC, we offer MiBo ThermoFlo, an advanced therapy designed to provide lasting relief from dry eye. This non-invasive treatment uses gentle, therapeutic heat to target the meibomian glands in your eyelids. These glands are responsible for producing the protective oils in your tears, which help prevent them from evaporating too quickly.
 

By improving gland function, MiBo ThermoFlo not only relieves dryness but also addresses one of the root causes of dry eye syndrome. Many patients notice improvement in comfort, vision, and overall eye health after treatment.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Screen time is a part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to mean living with constant dry eye discomfort. Understanding the connection between digital device use and your eye health is the first step toward protecting your vision. If you’re struggling with symptoms, professional evaluation and advanced treatments like MiBo ThermoFlo can make a world of difference.
 

If dry eye is interfering with your daily activities, contact Somerville Family Eyecare, LLC to find out if MiBo ThermoFlo is right for you. Visit our office in Raritan, New Jersey, or call (908) 350-0800 to book an appointment today.