The hidden link between screen time and dry eyes after 40
If you’re over 40 and spend hours in front of a computer or smartphone, you may have noticed that your eyes feel dry, irritated, or tired by the end of the day. It’s not just your imagination, there’s a clear connection between screen use and dry eyes, and it becomes more noticeable as we age.
Why screens dry out your eyes
When you look at a screen, you blink less. A normal blink rate is around 15–20 times per minute, but when concentrating on a screen, it can drop by half. Fewer blinks mean fewer tears being spread across the eye’s surface, which causes the tear film to evaporate more quickly.
As we get older, our tear production naturally decreases, so screen time can tip the balance and make symptoms worse.
Common symptoms of screen-related dry eye
- Stinging or burning
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Eyes that feel tired or heavy
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes (a reflex reaction to dryness)
These symptoms often get worse as the day goes on and may improve after resting your eyes.
Why age makes a difference
After 40, several changes can make us more vulnerable to dry eyes:
- Hormonal shifts: Particularly during menopause
- Oil gland dysfunction: Meibomian glands produce less oil, making tears evaporate faster
- Medical conditions and medications: More common in midlife and can reduce tear production
Put simply, your eyes are already working harder to stay lubricated and screens add even more strain.
Tips to prevent dry eye from screen time
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break and reminds you to blink. - Blink intentionally
Make a conscious effort to fully close your eyelids when you blink. Partial blinks are common when staring at screens. - Adjust your workstation
- Keep screens slightly below eye level
- Reduce glare with proper lighting
- Increase font size to reduce strain.
- Use lubricating drops
Artificial tears can supplement your natural tears and reduce irritation. - Stay hydrated
Drink enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms. - Consider blue light filters
These can reduce glare and help reduce eye fatigue during prolonged screen use.
When to seek professional help
If you’ve tried home remedies and still struggle with dryness, it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye doctor can check the quality of your tear film and offer targeted treatments.
Available treatments
Options may include:
- Prescription eye drops
- In-office procedures to unblock oil glands
- Punctal plugs to keep tears on the eye longer.
These treatments are quick and can significantly improve comfort.
Long-term eye health
Don’t ignore persistent dry eye symptoms. Chronic dryness can damage the eye’s surface over time, leading to more serious problems. The sooner it’s treated, the better your long-term outcomes.
Next steps
Take our suitability self-test to see if you could benefit from professional dry eye treatment. It only takes a minute.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Vision correction isn’t suitable for everyone.
The first step is to take the self test so you can find out whether you can benefit.
