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Screen time has become a huge part of our lifestyle. Whether you are an adult or a child, everyone loves spending their free time looking at a screen of some sort.

To define “screen time,” we need to first define what a “screen” is. A screen can be anything from your smartphone to your laptop to your tablet and even your television. So just focusing on devices, are you on your phone or computer right now reading this? That’s a lot of screen time! But what about if you watch TV or play a video game? All that time staring at a screen adds up too.

At Summerlin Vision, we advise our patients to limit their screen time as much as possible. If you must look at screens for long periods of time for work or for school, remember to take breaks and blink often. We also suggest having a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year to make sure everything is in working order with your eyes. Your eye doctor can also advise you on the best type of lens to wear while looking at computer screens. 

Can Too Much Screen Time Cause Eye Problems?

The short answer here is yes. However, the time frame that can cause these problems may vary from individual to individual. Here are a few reasons why too much screen time can cause eye problems.

As a person spends time looking at a screen, their blink rate slows down or becomes nonexistent. When this happens, the eyes dry out, and the muscles become fatigued. This can result in headaches, blurred vision, and problems focusing. It can also cause dry eye syndrome, one of the most common reasons people see an optometrist.

Over time, symptoms of computer vision syndrome progress to the point where they affect one’s ability to perform daily tasks. When this starts to happen, it’s important to seek treatment with an eye doctor to prevent further damage.

If you spend most of your day looking at a screen—whether it be a computer screen, television, or phone—it is crucial to take breaks throughout your day to give your eyes a rest from the glare of the screen. It’s also important to blink frequently and use artificial tears to keep the eyes moist and healthy. Wearing blue light-blocking glasses can also help keep your eyes lubricated while looking at a screen for an extended period of time.

At Summerlin Vision, we firmly believe that everyone should have regular comprehensive eye exams. We are located at 900 S Pavilion Center Dr #140, Las Vegas, NV 89144. You can also reach us at (702) 243-8788 and schedule an appointment.