Should You Be Worried About Dry Eyes and Digital Screen Use?

Digital devices are an unavoidable part of modern life, whether you’re working, learning, or relaxing. While screens make daily tasks more convenient, they can also have unintended effects on eye comfort. For many people, frequent digital screen use plays a role in the development or worsening of dry eye symptoms, making it important to know when to seek professional care.

How Screen Use Contributes to Dry Eyes

When you look at a screen, your blink rate naturally decreases. Blinking is essential because it spreads tears evenly across the surface of the eye, keeping it moist and comfortable. Fewer blinks mean tears evaporate faster, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

Extended screen time can also strain the eye’s focusing system, further aggravating symptoms such as burning, redness, grittiness, and fluctuating vision. Over time, this strain can contribute to chronic dry eye, especially for people who already have underlying tear film or eyelid gland issues.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Dry eye symptoms related to screen use may include:

• Dryness or a scratchy sensation

• Burning or stinging eyes

• Redness or irritation

• Watery eyes

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Eye fatigue, especially at the end of the day

If these symptoms persist or interfere with your daily activities, it’s worth seeking a professional evaluation.

Why Artificial Tears May Not Be Enough

Over-the-counter eye drops can provide temporary relief, but they often don’t address the underlying cause of dry eye. Many patients with screen-related discomfort have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition where the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or unhealthy. Without a stable oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly, no matter how often drops are used.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments at Montrose Eye Care

Montrose Eye Care offers modern, in-office therapies that target the root causes of dry eye rather than just masking symptoms.

• Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: Radiofrequency uses controlled heat to gently warm the eyelids, helping to liquefy thickened oils and improve meibomian gland function. This treatment can also tighten the delicate skin around the eyes, supporting healthier eyelid structure and tear distribution.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL therapy delivers precise pulses of light to the skin around the eyes. It reduces inflammation, improves oil gland function, and addresses abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic dry eye. IPL is especially effective for patients whose dry eye is linked to inflammation or rosacea.

• Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): LLLT uses therapeutic light to stimulate cellular activity in the eyelids. It helps reduce inflammation, improve gland performance, and promote more stable tear production, making it a valuable option for patients with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms.

Can You Still Use Screens Safely?

You don’t need to give up your devices, but small changes can help protect your eyes. Taking regular breaks, practicing conscious blinking, adjusting screen height, and managing lighting can all reduce strain. However, if symptoms persist despite these efforts, professional care is essential.

Take the Next Step Toward Dry Eye Relief

Digital screens are a part of modern life, but ongoing dry eye symptoms shouldn’t be something you simply tolerate. If screen use is leaving your eyes dry, irritated, or fatigued, it may be a sign of underlying dry eye disease that requires more than basic eye drops. With advanced treatments like radiofrequency, IPL, and low-level light therapy, we can help restore comfort and improve long-term eye health.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms related to screen use, schedule a dry eye evaluation at Montrose Eye Care to explore personalized treatment options. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (713) 300-1477 to book an appointment.