After a long day of scrolling, streaming, or staring at your computer, your eyes may feel dry, tired, or irritated from too much screen time. Spending hours focused on digital devices can reduce how often you blink and lead to dryness or discomfort by the end of the day.
At Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates, we offer dry eye treatment in Avon and New Hartford to help relieve these symptoms and restore lasting comfort. In this blog, we’ll explore how too much screen time affects your eyes, why it can lead to dryness, and what you can do to find lasting relief.
How screen time leads to dry eyes
When you stare at a screen, whether it’s a phone, computer, or TV, your blink rate drops significantly. Normally, you blink about 15 times per minute, but during screen use, that can drop to 5 to 7 times a minute.¹ Fewer blinks mean less moisture spread across the surface of your eyes, leading to dryness, irritation, and a burning or gritty feeling.
Other factors that can worsen screen-related dryness include:
- Poor lighting or glare from screens
- Dry indoor air from heating or air conditioning
- Improper monitor height, causing you to open your eyes wider
- Extended focus, which keeps your eyes from relaxing
Over time, this combination of strain and dryness can make your eyes feel chronically uncomfortable, even after you step away from your screen.
Signs of digital eye strain
You might be experiencing digital eye strain if you notice:
- Dry, itchy, or burning eyes
- Blurry vision or trouble focusing
- Light sensitivity
- Headaches or eye fatigue
- Watery eyes (your body’s response to dryness)
How to prevent dryness and irritation from screen use
While most of us can’t completely avoid screens, a few small adjustments can help:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, giving your eyes a chance to rest and refocus.
2. Blink consciously
Try to blink more often, especially when reading or working on digital devices. Setting a reminder or sticky note near your monitor can help.
3. Adjust your environment
Keep your screen about an arm’s length away, position it slightly below eye level, and reduce glare by adjusting brightness or using a matte screen filter.
4. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water and consider using a humidifier in your workspace to keep the air from drying out.
5. Use lubricating eye drops
Artificial tears can help relieve mild dryness. However, if you’re using eye drops frequently without relief, it may be time to visit our eye doctors in Avon and New Hartford.
When home remedies aren’t enough
If your eyes still feel dry or irritated despite these changes, you might be dealing with an underlying issue like dry eye syndrome. At Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates, our doctors can pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms and recommend personalized treatment during a comprehensive eye exam.
We offer advanced options such as:
- OptiLight IPL therapy – uses gentle pulses of light to improve oil gland function and reduce inflammation.
- Low level light therapy (LLLT) – encourages healthy tear production and relieves gland blockage.
- Radiofrequency treatment – gently warms the eyelids to stimulate oil flow and restore moisture balance.
These treatments target the cause of dryness—not just the symptoms—so you can enjoy long-lasting comfort.
Give your eyes a break and feel the difference
You rely on your eyes every day, and they deserve care that keeps them healthy and comfortable. Whether your dryness stems from screen use or another cause, our team at Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates can help.
Schedule an appointment today to discover how comfortable your vision can be during screen time.
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