SAEDNEWS: Long hours of screen use can contribute to dry eyes by reducing blinking, increasing tear evaporation, and causing eye strain. Poor lighting, screen glare, improper viewing distance, and low indoor humidity may make symptoms such as burning, irritation, and blurred vision more noticeable.
According to SAEDNEWS, spending extended periods looking at computers, tablets, or phones can make the eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. One major reason is that people tend to blink less frequently when concentrating on a screen. Blinking helps spread tears across the surface of the eyes, so fewer blinks can allow the tear layer to become unstable.
When attention is focused on digital content, blinking may become slower or less complete. As a result, tears can evaporate more quickly, leaving the eyes feeling dry, gritty, or irritated. Taking regular breaks and consciously blinking several times can help maintain moisture.
Excessive brightness, reflections, and glare can increase visual discomfort during screen use. A screen that is much brighter than the surrounding environment may force the eyes to work harder. Adjusting brightness and reducing reflections can make prolonged viewing more comfortable.
Holding a screen too close or maintaining an uncomfortable viewing angle can contribute to eye strain. Keeping the screen at a comfortable distance and positioning it slightly below eye level may reduce discomfort and help limit excessive eye opening, which can increase tear evaporation.
Air conditioning, heating, and low indoor humidity can cause tears to evaporate faster. Long uninterrupted periods of screen use can further intensify dryness. Regular breaks, adequate hydration, and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment may help reduce symptoms.
Following the 20-20-20 rule can give the eyes regular opportunities to relax: every twenty minutes, look at something about twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds. Frequent blinking, appropriate screen positioning, and reducing glare can also help. If dryness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by significant pain or vision changes, an eye-care professional should be consulted.
