Are you experiencing a constant burning sensation in your eyes, along with blurry vision or sensitivity to light? You might be dealing with Dry Eye Syndrome. It's a common condition that occurs when your eyes aren't producing enough tears for lubrication, or when the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly. This lack of adequate moisture can cause a myriad of discomforts, from a gritty, sandy sensation to stinging or burning.
 

While Dry Eye Syndrome can affect anyone, it's more prevalent among older adults, particularly post-menopausal women. Various factors can contribute to this condition, including aging, certain medical conditions, environmental factors, and your computer use.
 

The Link between Computer Use and Dry Eye Syndrome
 

The link between these two lies in the way we use our eyes while working on a computer or any digital device. When you're focused on a screen, you tend to blink less often than usual. Blinking is crucial for eye health as it helps to spread tears evenly across the surface of your eyes, keeping them moist and free from debris.
 

Research suggests that when engaged in computer work, your blink rate can decrease by 30% to 50%. This reduced blinking contributes to the rapid evaporation of tear fluid, leading to dry eye symptoms. Furthermore, many of us have a habit of staring at screens without taking breaks, exacerbating the issue.
 

The position of your computer screen can also contribute to dry eye symptoms. If your screen is above eye level, your eyes are more open, which can lead to increased tear evaporation. Additionally, the blue light emitted from screens can also cause digital eye strain, which can further aggravate dry eye symptoms.
 

How Computer Use Exacerbates Dry Eye Symptoms
 

When you spend prolonged periods on a computer, your eyes are continuously exposed to the screen's light and the strain of focusing. This constant exposure and strain make it difficult for your eyes to produce and retain enough tears to stay moist.
 

Also, the glare from your computer screen can cause your eyes to work harder, leading to eye fatigue and strain. This increased strain can lead to an overproduction of tears in the short-term, but a decrease in tear production in the long-term, resulting in dry eyes.
 

Lastly, the dry air and dust in many office environments or home offices can also contribute to dry eye symptoms. When you're focused on a computer screen, you're more likely to ignore minor discomforts until they become more pronounced, leading to exacerbated dry eye symptoms.
 

Protective Measures to Prevent Dry Eye from Computer Use
 

There are several protective measures you can take to prevent or reduce dry eye symptoms from computer use. First, be mindful of your blinking. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently when using a computer. This can help maintain the moisture in your eyes and prevent them from drying out.
 

Second, adjust your computer screen so that it's at or below eye level. This positioning will help you to avoid opening your eyes too wide, which can lead to faster tear evaporation. Also, consider using a computer screen filter to reduce glare and blue light exposure.
 

Third, take regular breaks from your computer. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and gaze at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice can help to reduce eye strain and give your eyes a chance to rest and replenish tears.
 

Lastly, try to improve the air quality around your workspace. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and keep the area clean to reduce dust.
 

Conclusion
 

There is indeed a link between computer use and dry eye syndrome. The constant strain, reduced blink rate, and exposure to blue light can all contribute to dry eye symptoms. However, with conscious effort and protective measures, you can reduce the impact of computer use on your eyes and maintain your eye health. 
 

For more information on the link between computer use and dry eye syndrome, visit Westchester Eyes at our office in Yonkers, New York. Call 914-586-EYES (3937) to schedule an appointment today.