Dry Eye and Excessive Screen Time: Why Digital Devices Are Affecting Eye Health
- Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach Optometrists
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
We’re living in a digital age and that’s great in many ways. But as screens become an ever-present part of study, work, and play, eye health is being impacted more than ever before.
Recent coverage on Sky News Australia highlights a concerning trend: increasing rates of dry eye disease in children and young people, likely linked to prolonged use of digital devices. This shift isn’t just an adult issue anymore and it’s something every family should understand.
At Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach, we’re committed to helping our community recognise the signs of dry eye and adopt strategies to protect vision at every age.
Why Screen Time Affects Eye Comfort
Extended use of phones, computers, tablets, and gaming devices changes the way we blink.
What Happens When You Look at a Screen
When we focus on screens:
Blink rate drops significantly
Blinking becomes incomplete or shallow
Tears evaporate more quickly
The eye’s surface becomes dry and irritated
Over time, this leads to a breakdown of the tear film, the protective layer that keeps the eye comfortable and clear.
In children and adults alike, this can cause symptoms such as:
Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations
Red or watery eyes
Irritation during or after screen use
Difficulty concentrating visually
Increased eye fatigue
Screens don’t just reduce blink rate, they also encourage longer sessions without breaks, especially during online learning or gaming.
Dry Eye in Children — Not Just an Adult Condition
The Sky News report highlighted that dry eye disease, traditionally associated with ageing, is becoming more common in children and teens.This uptick is most likely linked to:
Increased time spent on digital devices
Online schooling demands
Long sessions of gaming, videos, and social media engagement
Children may not always communicate discomfort in the same way adults do, so parents might only notice subtle changes such as:
Rubbing their eyes more often
Sitting very close to screens
Avoiding visual tasks
Complaining of tired eyes after screen use
Signs of Dry Eye to Watch For
If your child or teen is spending several hours a day on screens, be alert for:
Frequent eye rubbing
Red or irritated eyes
Complaints of tired or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Excessive tearing or discharge
Complaints of discomfort during reading or homework time
Remember, kids often adapt to discomfort, so behavioural clues are just as important as what they say.
Why Early Detection Matters
Dry eye disease occurs when the tear film isn’t keeping the eye lubricated and protected. Left unmanaged, this can lead to:
Chronic irritation
Visual discomfort
Increased sensitivity to light
Difficulty with sustained visual tasks
Early detection allows for more effective management and prevention of progression. And because dry eye is now appearing in younger age groups, regular eye examinations have never been more important.
How to Protect Eyes from Screen-Related Dryness
You don’t have to stop using screens entirely, but small changes can make a big difference.
Try These Practical Tips:
✔ Follow the 20-20-20 Rule - Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
✔ Encourage Regular Breaks - Frequent pauses from screens help reset blink patterns.
✔ Increase Blink Awareness - Teaching kids to blink fully helps spread tears evenly.
✔ Set Screen Limits - Balance screen time with physical activity and outdoor play.
✔ Check Your Environment - Dry rooms, air conditioning and fans can worsen tear evaporation.
Professional Support for Dry Eye
If you notice ongoing discomfort or symptoms that don’t improve with lifestyle changes, a comprehensive eye exam can help determine the cause.
At Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach, we offer:
Detailed dry eye assessments
Guidance on screen time and eye health
Individualised treatment and management plans
Advanced dry eye therapies tailored to your lifestyle
Early intervention makes dry eye easier to manage and helps protect eyes now and into the future.
Book a Dry Eye Assessment
If your child (or you!) is experiencing eye irritation, dryness, or discomfort linked to screen use, we can help.
Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach – Dry Eye Clinic
Call 5526 1400 | Book your comprehensive dry eye assessment today
