Vision Therapy in Saint Charles

The Connection Between Screen Time and Dry Eye

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Alleviating Digital Eye Strain for Comfortable Vision

Do your eyes feel dry, irritated, or fatigued after a lengthy day spent scrolling through social media, tackling a barrage of emails, or streaming your favorite content? If so, you might be wondering whether screen time could be the culprit behind these discomforts.

Indeed, while digital devices have brought convenience, they've also introduced a new challenge for eye health: digital eye strain, which is often accompanied by dry eye symptoms.

boy playing VR game


Understanding Digital Eye Strain and Its Link to Dry Eyes

woman using mobile phone

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that arises when you spend extended periods gazing at screens. Its symptoms include dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Several factors contribute to dry eyes during prolonged screen use:

  • Reduced Blink Rate

    While focusing on screens, people tend to blink less frequently. This reduced blink rate can lead to reduced tear production and increased tear evaporation, resulting in dry eyes.

  • Blue Light Exposure

    Digital screens emit blue light, disrupting the circadian rhythm. Disrupted sleep, in turn, can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

  • Poor Posture

    Incorrect screen placement or poor posture can cause you to open your eyes wider, increasing exposure to air and tear evaporation.

  • Reduced Blink Quality

    Frequent screen time can lead to incomplete blinks, where the upper and lower eyelids do not meet fully, causing inadequate tear film spreading and reduced oil secretion from meibomian glands.


The Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Children's Eyes

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that arises when you spend extended periods gazing at screens. Its symptoms include dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.

Several factors contribute to dry eyes during prolonged screen use:

  • Eye Fatigue and Discomfort

    Excessive screen time can lead to eye fatigue, causing discomfort, reduced vision clarity, and headaches. Children may also lose interest in activities like reading due to eye strain .

  • Dry and Irritated Eyes

    Long screen sessions can result in dry and irritated eyes, as prolonged screen focus reduces blinking frequency. Maintaining a stable tear film on the eye's surface is crucial for clear vision, especially for children adapting to screens designed for adults.

  • Reduced Focus Flexibility

    Children who spend extended periods focusing on screens may struggle to adjust to distance vision afterward. Although this is usually a short-term issue, it highlights the importance of balanced screen time and outdoor activities.

  • Risk of Developing Myopia

    Excessive indoor screen time deprives children of essential natural daylight exposure, impacting their eye development. Studies suggest a link between increased indoor time and a higher risk of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. Balancing screen use with outdoor play is crucial for healthy eyes.

woman viewing tablet in bed


Treating Dry Eyes Caused by Screen Time

Dry eyes induced by excessive screen use may range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to permanent eye surface damage. Therefore, it's essential to take steps to alleviate these symptoms.

If you're someone who spends a considerable amount of time in front of screens, you can adopt several strategies to reduce the risk of digital eye strain and dry eyes:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to focus on something at least 20 feet away.
  • Adjust Screen Settings: Modify the font size, brightness, and blue light emission to create a more comfortable viewing experience.
  • Proper Lighting: Ensure your screen is not overly bright, and your surroundings are well-lit.
  • Blink More: Always remember to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist.
  • Stay Hydrated: Maintaining adequate hydration can help support tear production.

Use Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can relieve dry eyes while using screens.

Patient Reviews
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234 Reviews
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- Jul. 01, 2024
Eye Doctor and staff very friendly and Professional
- Jun. 23, 2024
Great staff and easy simple and straightforward process to get glasses and an eye exam!
- Jun. 08, 2024
Awesome and knowledgeable staff!!! The made me feel very comfortable and took the time to explain al... l of the benefits my insurance provided. Atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly.
- May. 24, 2024
Great eye care!
- May. 23, 2024
Dr. Lutz is great. Very friendly. Easy going.
- May. 21, 2024
Crown now has a very helpful and knowledgeable staff, I am very glad to see the change in managemen... t
- May. 10, 2024
I have been coming here for many years. Dr Lutz is amazing. Great personality, makes you feel at hom... e and very caring. I trust him. Tamara has excellent customer service. Very caring and kind. I trust them. Love my new glasses. Fit perfectly. Again thanks so much. Keep up great work. Have great summer 🌞⛱️
- May. 07, 2024
Repaired my eyeglasses that other shop would not repair. Very friendly. Skilled opticians. $5.50 fo... r repairs.
- Apr. 14, 2024
Staff is helpful and nice. Dr. Lutz is great.
- Apr. 09, 2024
Would highly recommend nice and friendly and awesome quality My daughter loves her glasses
- Mar. 28, 2024
I used to be very skeptical of going to see doctors. I did not know anyone here at this location and... I wasn't sure if I trusted the service I was going to get. Its undeniable I need the service and I have the pleasure to say that my time at the Lindenwood location of Crown Vision is more than remarkable. Dr. Charles Lutz, Tami, and Sarah have gone over and beyond, without hesitation, got the prescription I needed. I got to know all of them on a personal level. Which a lot of people these days do not have in their ethical repertoire. It's amazing to know that I can build a relationship out of the last two years with what used to be strangers. Thank you, Dr. Charles, Tami, and Sarah!
- Mar. 15, 2024
Great team that makes sure you leave happy
- Feb. 09, 2024
Dr is very competent and good and staff were helpful...
- Nov. 25, 2023
We received excellent customer service
- Sep. 20, 2023
I love crown vision at this location. Any doctor that I see it doesn’t matter which one they’re ... always very helpful. Very nice they make me very comfortable and the staff all the women upfront and I do mean all of them saying that they are awesome is an understatement. I wouldn’t want to go to any other place or any other location for that matter because of them I’ve been with them for years and I love each and everyone of those women upfront they literally are the best I can’t say that enough seriously
- Sep. 01, 2023
Been seeing Dr Luz for over 25 years. He’s the best at prescribing your accurate lens! ❤️❤�... �❤️
- Aug. 18, 2023
Dr. Lutz and staff are awesome and will be visiting them next year!
- Jul. 23, 2023
First time visiting at this location and was AMAZED of getting an appointment right away (I was refe... rred to this location from another Crown Vision Center due to no openings), doctor and staff were excellent as well as the location!!! Thank you, keep doing what you do it is APPRECIATED!!!
- Jul. 11, 2023
Awesome customer service!
- Jun. 13, 2023
Very friendly staff. I was able to get in just before close on their later days so I didn’t have t... o bring 3 kids with me. I had some insurance issues and they were patient and helpful calling the insurance company for me. The Dr was also very nice and had some jokes. Overall good experience and I’d definitely choose this one over other locations again.

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Dry Eyes in Saint Charles

Our optometry practice in Saint Charles

Photograph of Charles  Lutz
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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Consult Crown Vision Center - Lindenwood for Digital Eye Strain Relief

Although lifestyle changes can be helpful, more effective dry eye management strategies may be necessary in some cases. Crown Vision Center - Lindenwood provides a range of treatments to restore your family's eyesight.

If you or a loved one suffers from ongoing dry eye symptoms due to prolonged screen use, our experienced eye care professionals can provide relief. Make an appointment with Crown Vision Center - Lindenwood to discuss dry eye management options. Let's work together to protect their eyesight and ensure a bright future.

(636) 669-0556