Digital screen use linked to eye fatigue and dryness

Prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets can lead to digital eye strain, a condition characterized by symptoms including dryness, irritation, blurred vision, headaches, and ocular fatigue. This occurs because individuals often blink less frequently or incompletely when concentrating on screens, which disrupts the tear film that lubricates the eye surface.

Ophthalmologist Adolf Segura notes that patients exposed to screens for eight to twelve hours daily show increased symptoms of dry eye and visual tiredness. While the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) confirms that prolonged screen time causes discomfort due to reduced blinking and constant short-distance focusing, it clarifies there is no scientific evidence that screen light causes permanent eye damage.

To mitigate these effects, experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object approximately 20 feet (six meters) away for at least 20 seconds. Additional advice includes maintaining a monitor at arm's length, adjusting brightness, and taking breaks that involve activities without screens, such as walking or conversing, rather than switching immediately from a laptop to a smartphone.