Screens dominate most people's lives today, causing the prevalence of dry eyes. Everyone has smartphones or laptops that demand their attention. Unfortunately, these digital devices make many of them neglect their eye health. 

The Rise of Digital Screens

The use of digital screens has reached unprecedented levels. Giving in to the charms of digital devices subjects billions of eyes to hours of screen time every day. Many find the fun, functionality, and accessibility hard to resist. But constant exposure to screens has profound implications for anyone’s eye health.

Extended periods of screen use can strain your eyes due to the intense focus required. The eyes work harder to maintain clarity and focus on the pixels of the screen, leading to eye fatigue. The screen proximity to your eyes increases the risk of developing dry eyes. The reduced distance diminishes the natural air circulation around your eyes. It leads to greater evaporation of tears.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome 

Dry eye syndrome develops due to insufficient moisture on the eye surface. Tears help keep the eyes nourished, protected, and comfortable. But different factors can disrupt the delicate balance of tear production and evaporation. In the digital age, screen time contributes to dry eye syndrome. Prolonged use of digital devices reduces the blink rate. Blinking helps spread tears across the eye surface. 

Concentrating on screens makes you blink less often, resulting in inadequate lubrication. It causes the following:

• Dryness

• Grittiness

• Sensation of foreign objects in the eye

The Link Between Screens and Dry Eyes

Many factors can contribute to the relationship between screens and dry eyes. One crucial factor is the blue light emitted by digital screens. 

Blue light has wavelengths shorter than normal light, giving it higher energy than other colors in the light spectrum except UV light, X-rays, and gamma rays. It can penetrate the eye's protective layers and reach your retina. The access can cause cellular damage and inflammation.

Blue light exposure disrupts the normal functioning of the eye. It affects the production of the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. 

The disruption can lead to poor quality sleep. It further impacts eye health and exacerbates dry eye symptoms. Blue light exposure also increases the production of free radicals in the eye. It can damage the cells responsible for tear production.

Dry Eye Symptoms 

Dry eyes present a range of symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person. Some common signs include:

• A stinging or burning sensation

• Redness

• Irritation

It also causes blurred vision, eye fatigue, and light sensitivity. These symptoms can be disruptive and impact daily activities like reading and driving.

The physical discomfort caused by dry eyes can affect your emotional well-being. The constant reliance on artificial tears can lead to frustration. You may experience anxiety and a reduced quality of life. Dry eyes also affect productivity in professions that need prolonged screen use.

Prevention and Management
 

Combating the dry eye epidemic in the digital age is possible. There are practical steps you can take to prevent and manage the condition. One crucial preventative measure is following the 20-20-20-20 rule. This practice helps relax the eye muscles and encourages regular blinking.

Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears provide temporary relief. They add moisture to your eyes. These over-the-counter solutions help reduce dryness and discomfort. Choose preservative-free drops suitable for your needs. Consult an eye care professional who can determine the ideal eye drops for you.

For more about the digital age and dry eye epidemic, visit North Georgia Eye Care at our office in Winder, Georgia. Call (770) 867-1913 to book an appointment today.