The Connection Between Dry Eyes and Screen Time: What Your Exam Can Reveal

In today’s digital world, most people spend hours staring at screens. While this is part of modern life, it can take a toll on your eyes. What many patients don’t realize is that dry eyes can also signal underlying conditions. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist can uncover these hidden issues and help restore lasting comfort.

How Screen Time Impacts Your Eyes

When you focus on a digital device, your blink rate naturally decreases. Fewer blinks mean your eyes aren’t spreading tears evenly across the surface, leading to faster evaporation and dryness. Over time, this can cause burning, redness, blurred vision, or that gritty “something-in-your-eye” sensation.

Excessive screen use can also contribute to eye strain, which exacerbates dryness and discomfort. Even if you take breaks, long hours in front of a screen can disrupt the natural balance of your tear film - the thin layer that keeps your eyes lubricated and protected.

The Role of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

MGD is one of the most common causes of dry eyes. The meibomian glands, located along your eyelids, are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. This oil prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, your tears can evaporate faster than normal, leading to persistent dryness.

During your eye exam, your optometrist can evaluate the function of your meibomian glands using advanced diagnostic tools. If MGD is detected, treatments like thermal gland expression, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), or other in-office therapies can help restore gland health and relieve symptoms.

Blepharitis: A Common Companion to Dry Eye

Another condition that often accompanies dry eye and MGD is blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eyelids. It can cause redness, flaky skin, and crusting along the lash line. Blepharitis can worsen dryness by interfering with proper tear production and gland function. Fortunately, it can be managed with consistent eyelid hygiene and professional treatments that remove debris and bacteria from the eyelid margins.

What Your Eye Exam Can Reveal

A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking your vision - it provides insight into the health of your tear film, glands, and eyelids. At Sky View Optometry, we use advanced diagnostic technology to detect the underlying causes of dry eye symptoms. Your exam may include:

• Evaluation of tear quality and quantity

• Imaging of your meibomian glands

• Assessment for inflammation or eyelid conditions

• Screening for environmental or lifestyle factors contributing to dryness

Identifying the root cause allows us to personalize your treatment - whether through prescription eye drops, in-office procedures, or lifestyle adjustments.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

If your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or tired after a day of screen time, it may be more than just fatigue. Conditions like MGD or blepharitis could be affecting your eye health without you realizing it. The good news is that these issues are manageable with the right diagnosis and care.

Don’t ignore the signs of digital eye strain or persistent dryness. Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Sky View Optometry to uncover the cause and find lasting relief. Visit our office in El Paso, Texas, or call (915) 775-2020 to book an appointment today.