Do Smartphones, Tablets, and Computers Cause Dry Eyes?

Your eyes are burning. They feel dry, irritated, maybe even gritty. And you’ve been staring at a screen all day. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your phone or laptop might be causing your dry eyes, you’re not imagining things. Digital screens can definitely play a role. In Santa Monica, California, board-certified ophthalmologist E. Joseph Nadji, MD, and our team provide expert solutions for dry eye treatment. 

Let’s look at how it happens, why it matters, and what you can do about it.

Screen time changes how we blink

Here’s something you probably haven’t thought much about: blinking. When we blink, we spread tears across the surface of our eyes, keeping them moist and protected. But our blink rate slows down significantly when we’re focused on screens.

That means fewer blinks and less moisture. Over time, you can develop dry, tired eyes.

Your environment matters

Most people use screens indoors, often in rooms with air conditioning, fans, or heating systems. These conditions can dry out the air, which in turn dries out your eyes. Add in blue light exposure and intense focus, and you have the perfect recipe for digital eye strain.

Even the smallest screen, like your smartphone, can contribute to the problem if you're using it for long stretches.

What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, is a group of symptoms caused by prolonged screen use. Dry eyes are one part of it, but you might also experience blurry vision, headaches, neck pain, or trouble focusing.

If you’ve felt any of these symptoms after a long day at your computer or scrolling through your phone, you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with this every day.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone who uses screens regularly can develop dry eyes, but some people are more prone to it than others. If you wear contact lenses, have underlying eye conditions, or take medications that reduce tear production, you may notice symptoms more quickly. Age also plays a role, especially for people over 50.

Kids and teens are also affected. With the rise in remote learning and screen-based entertainment, more young people are experiencing screen-related dry eye symptoms than ever before.

How to protect your eyes from screen-related dryness

You don’t have to give up your devices to keep your eyes comfortable. Just a few small changes can make a big difference. Start with the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Focusing on something else helps your eyes relax and encourages blinking.

You can also adjust your screen brightness, increase text size, and reduce glare by using matte screen protectors or changing the lighting in your workspace. If the air is dry, consider using a humidifier.

And don’t forget to blink — consciously and often.

Artificial tears can help

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also called artificial tears, can provide quick relief. They help restore moisture to the surface of your eyes and soothe irritation. Preservative-free drops are often the best choice for frequent use for regular screen users.

If symptoms continue even after using drops and adjusting your screen habits, it may be time to see Dr. Nadji. You could be dealing with a more complex dry eye condition that requires specialized treatment.

Small changes can make a big difference

Yes, smartphones, tablets, and computers can contribute to dry eyes. However, you don’t have to stop using them altogether. With a few smart habits and intentional screen breaks, you can protect your eyes and stay comfortable even in a screen-filled world.

If you want Dr. Nadji to advise you about your eye health, call the office at 424-275-6586 or schedule an appointment online.