Can Being on the Computer Cause Dry Eye?

As we continue to live in a world that is increasingly reliant on digital technology, it's important to consider the potential health impacts of our habits. One area of concern that often goes overlooked is the impact of computer use on our eyes. It's crucial to understand what dry eye is, its symptoms and causes, and how prolonged computer use can contribute to this condition.

 

What is dry eye?

Dry eye, medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition where the eye does not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and discomfort. Symptoms can include a stinging or burning sensation, sensitivity to light, redness, a feeling of something in your eye, blurred vision, and even watery eyes.

There are many causes of dry eye. It can be due to age, certain medical conditions, medications, environmental factors, and prolonged computer use.

How Prolonged Computer Use Can Contribute to Dry Eye

The link between computer use and dry eyes has been extensively studied. It's known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition affecting those who spend long hours in front of a computer screen. Dry eye is a common symptom of CVS, along with eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.

When we stare at a computer screen, our blink rate decreases by as much as 50 percent. Blinking is essential as it helps spread tears evenly across the eye surface, keeping them moist and protected. When we don't blink as often, our eyes can become dry, irritated, and tired.

Additionally, computer use often involves focusing on close-up details for extended periods, which can strain the eyes and exacerbate dry eye symptoms. The blue light emitted by screens can also disrupt the tear film, the thin layer of fluid covering the eye's surface that keeps it moist and protected.

 

Prevention Strategies

Awareness and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing dry eyes from computer use. Ensuring regular breaks from screen time is crucial. A popular method is the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes, you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Keeping your computer screen below eye level can also help, as it allows your eyelids to cover more of your eyes, reducing tear evaporation. Finally, adjusting screen brightness, reducing glare, and using artificial tears can also help maintain eye moisture.

 

When to Seek Medical Help for Dry Eye Symptoms

If you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms that aren't relieved by over-the-counter treatments or changes in computer habits, it's time to seek medical help. Chronic dry eye not only causes discomfort but can also damage the eye's surface, leading to complications like infections and corneal ulcers.

An eye care professional can perform tests to diagnose dry eye and determine its severity. Based on the results, they can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

 

Maintaining Eye Health in the Digital Age

Dry eye is a common condition that can be exacerbated by prolonged computer use. By understanding its causes and symptoms and implementing prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce our risk. It's important to remember that if symptoms persist, seeking professional help is crucial for maintaining our overall eye health.

To learn more about dry eye from computer use, visit Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates in our Roslyn, New York, office. Let us help you achieve excellent vision and maintain your visual well-being. Please call (516) 365-4500 to schedule an appointment today.