Digital screen use linked to eye strain and dryness

Prolonged exposure to digital screens, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, is increasingly linked to digital eye strain and dry eyes. This condition, often referred to as computer vision syndrome, occurs because individuals tend to blink less frequently or incompletely when concentrating on a screen. This reduction in blinking allows the tear film to evaporate more easily, leading to symptoms such as burning, redness, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.

Common symptoms of digital eye strain include ocular fatigue, temporary blurred vision, difficulty focusing, headaches, and physical discomfort in the neck and shoulders due to poor posture. Environmental factors like air conditioning, heating, or low humidity can also exacerbate dryness.

To mitigate these issues, experts suggest adopting healthy habits, such as the 20-20-20 rule: looking at something distant for a few seconds every 20 minutes. Other recommendations include adjusting screen brightness to match the environment, increasing text size, reducing reflections, and positioning the screen slightly below eye level. While screen use does not necessarily cause permanent ocular damage, correcting refractive errors and using artificial tears may provide relief.