In today’s world, screens are everywhere, from smartphones and laptops to large televisions. Whether we’re working, learning, gaming, or binge-watching a series, we’re spending more time in front of screens than ever before. But with this digital shift comes an important question: Can screen time damage your eyes?
What Happens to Your Eyes During Screen Time?
When looking at a screen, your eyes are constantly shifting focus. You’re blinking less, dealing with screen glare and may be viewing your computer at the wrong distance or angle (or a combination of these1)! Over time, this can strain your eye muscles, especially if breaks are not taken regularly.
This condition is commonly referred to as computer eye strain2. It’s not usually serious and tends to resolve quickly with rest, but it can be uncomfortable. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Red eyes
- Twitching eyelids
These symptoms may also be a sign of other health conditions, please seek advice from a healthcare professional if these symptoms persist.
The Role of Blue Light and Free Radicals
Screens emit blue light, a high-energy visible light that can penetrate deep into the eye. While blue light exposure during the day can boost alertness, excessive exposure, especially in the evening, may disrupt sleep patterns4.
Moreover, prolonged screen time can increase the production of free radicals in the eyes. These unstable molecules can damage cells, leading to oxidative stress, which may exacerbate eye discomfort and fatigue.
How Screen Time Affects Children
Children’s eyesight is being affected globally. Studies show that 1 in 3 children worldwide are now short-sighted3. Because their eyes are still developing, the increased exposure to screens, whether from tablets, TVs, or electronic whiteboards, places a strain on the eye muscles, contributing to myopia (short-sightedness).
Signs of myopia in children include:
- Difficulty seeing clearly at a distance
- Sitting very close to screens
- Frequent headaches
- Eye rubbing
How to Protect Your Eyes During Screen Use
The good news is there are several ways to make screen time more comfortable and help prevent eye strain.
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This gives your eye muscles a much-needed rest.
- Manage Lighting and Glare
Avoid using screens in dark rooms or with excessive brightness. Instead, aim for a well-lit environment, ideally with natural light, to reduce fatigue and minimise strain.
- Blink More Often
Professionals say we blink less when looking at screens4. This can cause dry eyes. Consciously reminding yourself to blink regularly helps keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable. To help combat dry eyes, our Theratears Screen Eyes Eye Drops are a great option!
- Use Eye Drops
Artificial tears or eye drops can help manage eye strain and dry eyes5.
TheraTears® Screen Eyes 5-in-1 Eye Care are specially formulated to:
- Hydrate dry, red, and irritated eyes caused by extended screen use
- Replenish moisture with 0.1% hyaluronic acid
- Support natural eye whitening with Euphrasia
- Relieve irritation
- Refresh the eyes so they feel and look their best
Final Thoughts
Screens are here to stay, and while excessive screen time can cause eye strain and discomfort, there’s no need to fear long-term, irreversible damage. Like most things in life, it’s all about balance.
Make time for regular breaks, be mindful of your screen environment, and if your eyes feel irritated, consider using a product like TheraTears Screen Eyes to help support and soothe your vision.
Always read the label before use.
References
- https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/computer-vision-syndrome.html
- https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/eye-strain?srsltid=AfmBOopSqIg2auIWlnXJFtykkZeFgbFR227Kt9GFf64QtsXA4GKnWk4Q&_its=eF5Vj0GOwyAQBP_CeR0bmzDYP8hh32DBMMRIxESYrA9R_PadZE977Sq1up_iJ3oxCWl6jZp0I9GbRqGVjZFgGk3OjABa90MnvsRWbSXWS6qHBAUw6PE8Hsmu_uhnZcbzMG-UZ3Daj86hC8E4ZQyCV8oghU5hFyBwla21RPeoMa9ieor7w6W4LVS4_ZrzNRE7Pt9sZCz2fT_9pSfMNyaFApXysZda79vUtv-dliVc7LpSuvDBzzTeX_A7-_cDXileHMRKbz5oCa9f13JT5g
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0m099zm4wyo
- https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/should-you-be-worried-about-blue-light#:~:text=When%20you%20stare%20at%20a,causes%20damage%20to%20your%20eye.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403#:~:text=Use%20artificial%20tears.,might%20be%20best%20for%20you.
