Staring at digital screens for extended periods may lead to a reduction in blinking frequency, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms. While the average adult blinks approximately 15 times per minute, research indicates that looking at phones, tablets, or computers can cause people to blink 50% less than normal.
The impact of digital screens
Natalie Oberer, OD, an optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, noted that many patients present with dry eye symptoms without realizing they are linked to a lack of blinking.
Blinking serves essential functions such as lubricating the eyes, removing debris like dust or eyelashes, and potentially assisting the brain in processing the environment. According to Oberer, blinking allows teardrops to cover the eye and helps oil from specialized glands prevent moisture from evaporating too quickly.
Essential functions of blinking
When blinking decreases, these glands can become clogged or die, which may lead to long as-term complications. This issue is increasingly observed in younger populations; one study found that up to 23% of children suffer from dry eye syndrome, a condition previously seen mainly in adults.
Beyond screen time, several other factors can trigger or worsen dry eye symptoms. These include not removing eye makeup before sleep, certain skin conditions, aging, allergies, conjunctivitis, outdated glasses prescriptions, eye spasms, and stress or anxiety. Environmental factors like arid climates also play a role.
Other causes of dry eyes
Common symptoms of the condition include burning, stinging, redness, inflammation, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, eye discharge, and a gritty sensation often described as having sand stuck in the eye.
To protect eye health, experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and close your eyes completely. Oberer also suggested practicing mindfulness to blink more frequently.
Tips for protecting eye health
Depending on specific symptoms, other medical treatments may include hot compresses, gentle massages, oral antibiotics, steroids, or drops designed to mimic oil for those who do not produce enough of it.
