Vision Therapy in Downtown Seattle

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

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Alleviating Digital Eye Strain for Comfortable Vision

Do your eyes feel dry, irritated, or fatigued after a lengthy day spent scrolling through social media, tackling a barrage of emails, or streaming your favorite content? If so, you might be wondering whether screen time could be the culprit behind these discomforts.

Indeed, while digital devices have brought convenience, they've also introduced a new challenge for eye health: digital eye strain, which is often accompanied by dry eye symptoms.

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Understanding Digital Eye Strain and Its Link to Dry Eyes

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Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that arises when you spend extended periods gazing at screens. Its symptoms include dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Several factors contribute to dry eyes during prolonged screen use:

  • Reduced Blink Rate

    While focusing on screens, people tend to blink less frequently. This reduced blink rate can lead to reduced tear production and increased tear evaporation, resulting in dry eyes.

  • Blue Light Exposure

    Digital screens emit blue light, disrupting the circadian rhythm. Disrupted sleep, in turn, can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

  • Poor Posture

    Incorrect screen placement or poor posture can cause you to open your eyes wider, increasing exposure to air and tear evaporation.

  • Reduced Blink Quality

    Frequent screen time can lead to incomplete blinks, where the upper and lower eyelids do not meet fully, causing inadequate tear film spreading and reduced oil secretion from meibomian glands.


The Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Children's Eyes

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that arises when you spend extended periods gazing at screens. Its symptoms include dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Several factors contribute to dry eyes during prolonged screen use:

  • Eye Fatigue and Discomfort

    Excessive screen time can lead to eye fatigue, causing discomfort, reduced vision clarity, and headaches. Children may also lose interest in activities like reading due to eye strain .

  • Dry and Irritated Eyes

    Long screen sessions can result in dry and irritated eyes, as prolonged screen focus reduces blinking frequency. Maintaining a stable tear film on the eye's surface is crucial for clear vision, especially for children adapting to screens designed for adults.

  • Reduced Focus Flexibility

    Children who spend extended periods focusing on screens may struggle to adjust to distance vision afterward. Although this is usually a short-term issue, it highlights the importance of balanced screen time and outdoor activities.

  • Risk of Developing Myopia

    Excessive indoor screen time deprives children of essential natural daylight exposure, impacting their eye development. Studies suggest a link between increased indoor time and a higher risk of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. Balancing screen use with outdoor play is crucial for healthy eyes.

woman viewing tablet in bed


Treating Dry Eyes Caused by Screen Time

Dry eyes induced by excessive screen use may range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to permanent eye surface damage. Therefore, it's essential to take steps to alleviate these symptoms.

If you're someone who spends a considerable amount of time in front of screens, you can adopt several strategies to reduce the risk of digital eye strain and dry eyes:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to focus on something at least 20 feet away.
  • Adjust Screen Settings: Modify the font size, brightness, and blue light emission to create a more comfortable viewing experience.
  • Proper Lighting: Ensure your screen is not overly bright, and your surroundings are well-lit.
  • Blink More: Always remember to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist.
  • Stay Hydrated: Maintaining adequate hydration can help support tear production.

Use Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can relieve dry eyes while using screens.

Patient Reviews
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288 Reviews
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- Aug. 30, 2024
I was in town and had a minor emergency and Broadway Vision went out of their way to help me out on ... short notice. I really appreciated how friendly everyone was, and they helped me out even though I don’t live here and am not a customer. Lovely storefront and staff. Thank you again for your help!
- Aug. 14, 2024
Had an eye exam and fitted for contacts. Great service, paid attention to the details and my optome... trist wanted me to have the perfect vision I need for my work.
- Aug. 04, 2024
I've been going here for years and I am always impressed with the level of care and great customer s... ervice!
- Jul. 23, 2024
I trust the doctors and the staff provide great service !!
- Jul. 16, 2024
(Translated by Google) Really friendly and quick replacement of broken rubber Located nearby Starbox... R* (Original) 정말 친절하고 신속하게 이탈된 rubber를 교체해줌 스타박스 R*근거리에 위치한
- Jul. 11, 2024
Ken and Dr. Ravuri were great! Very thorough and friendly! Been going here for years.
- Jul. 10, 2024
Professional staff and high quality service!
- Jun. 20, 2024
Fast friendly knowledgeable staff.
- Jun. 06, 2024
I have greatly appreciated the excellent care of Broadway Vision Source since I got my first ever gl... asses here eight years or so ago and being talked through the whole process by now retired professionals. However, I am disheartened to overhear that there is new ownership on the wind looking to get rid of the ability to have lenses made/managed in-house. Must new ownership always mean removing peoples incomes, skillsets, and tools from a very successful and respected business? For what, the sake of macro economic business efficiency at the cost of customer care, quality control, and delays? Would seriously hate to come back in a year and have to find a new one-stop optometrist because I’m dealing with new ownership milking a business for nickels at the cost of their employees day to day experience and My Experience as a patient. I’ll without my judgment until the day comes, but the worry remains. My thanks to the staff here, a business is just a name and a room without you.
- May. 30, 2024
Shared results in email and with PCP. Comprehensive and informative exam.
- May. 30, 2024
It was friendly and pretty quick to see the doctor.
- May. 16, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Matsunami for decades…he is an amazing healer! The staff at Broadway... Vision is top notch, friendly, and professional. You couldn’t ask for better eye care in the Seattle area.
- May. 02, 2024
Professional staff and very friendly and helpful as well. As a costumer I am very satisfied with the... ir service and will continue to visit them for years to come.
- Apr. 24, 2024
Perfect, on-time as always.
- Apr. 01, 2024
Everyone is so nice and helpful! Jason was a super big help getting thru the glasses process.
- Mar. 06, 2024
Great experience. I felt heard and had a thorough exam from very caring professionals. And I got a g... reat new pair of glasses!!!
- Feb. 20, 2024
Such a great experience, was quick and thorough and everyone was super nice. Will definitely go here... from now on for my vision needs.
- Feb. 20, 2024
Dr. Matsunami has been my eye provider for over 30 years. He is simply the BEST! The equipments in... the store are excellent, too. I highly recommend this place.
- Feb. 13, 2024
I could not be happier with Dr Matsunami and everyone who works at Broadway Vision Source. I’ve be... en going there for 10+ years, and every experience has been great. Highly recommend!!
- Jan. 31, 2024
I’ve been going to Broadway Vision Source for eye exams and new glasses every year for 15 years an... d consistently have a great experience! Everyone in the office is friendly and knowledgeable and I especially appreciate the extra help picking out frames since I’m blind as a bat without my prescription lenses. For some context, I’ve been wearing glasses for 35 years and I can honestly say that Broadway Vision Source has provided the best service of anywhere I have trusted with my eyes!

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Dry Eyes in Downtown Seattle

Our optometry practice in Downtown Seattle

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Hours
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Consult Broadway Vision for Digital Eye Strain Relief

Although lifestyle changes can be helpful, more effective dry eye management strategies may be necessary in some cases. Broadway Vision provides a range of treatments to restore your family's eyesight.

If you or a loved one suffers from ongoing dry eye symptoms due to prolonged screen use, our experienced eye care professionals can provide relief. Make an appointment with Broadway Vision to discuss dry eye management options. Let's work together to protect their eyesight and ensure a bright future.

(206) 464-0472