In today’s modern world, screens are everywhere. Whether you’re working at a computer, scrolling through your phone, or streaming your favorite shows, hours of screen time can take a serious toll on your eyes. At Coastal Vision Medical Group, we see it all the time—patients coming in with dry, irritated, and tired eyes, often without realizing that excessive screen time is a major culprit.
 

How Screen Time Contributes to Dry Eye

Your eyes weren’t designed to endure hours of continuous screen time. When you focus on a screen, your blink rate slows down by nearly 50%, reducing the natural spread of tears across your eyes. This lack of lubrication can cause dryness, irritation, and redness. For many, this strain worsens an underlying issue known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—a condition where the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked. Since these glands play a crucial role in preventing tear evaporation, MGD can lead to persistent dry eye symptoms that won’t improve with artificial tears alone.
 

If you’ve noticed:

• Frequent eye fatigue or strain

• A gritty, burning sensation in your eyes

• Blurry vision after long screen sessions

• Excessive tearing
   

It may be time to take your symptoms seriously.
 

When to See a Doctor

While adjusting your screen habits—like taking breaks and using artificial tears—can help, some cases of dry eye require medical attention. If your symptoms persist despite home remedies, or if they’re affecting your daily life, it’s best to see an eye doctor. At Coastal Vision Medical Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye, with advanced solutions tailored to your specific needs.
 

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments

We offer several cutting-edge treatments to help relieve dry eye symptoms and restore long-term comfort:

• TearCare®: A gentle, in-office procedure that uses targeted heat to unclog meibomian glands, improving oil production and restoring a healthier tear film.

• Prescription Eye Drops: For more severe cases, we prescribe medicated drops to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny inserts help retain natural tears by blocking the drainage ducts in your eyes, providing lasting relief.

• Amniotic Membrane Implants: A regenerative treatment for severe dry eye that promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
   

Find Lasting Relief from Dry Eye

Spending hours in front of a screen is often unavoidable, but persistent dry eye symptoms don’t have to be. If you’re experiencing discomfort, irritation, or blurry vision that isn’t improving with over-the-counter drops, it may be time to address the underlying cause—meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
 

At Coastal Vision Medical Group, we offer advanced, personalized treatments to help restore your eye health and comfort. Visit our office in Orange, California, or call (888) 501-4496 for comprehensive evaluation and find a long-term solution for your dry eye.