Long hours on screens can leave eyes dry and irritated – Optometrist

Extended periods in front of phones and computers can result in dry, irritated, and uncomfortable eyes, even if the cause remains unknown. Dr James Freeman Duah-Bisiw, an optometrist and eye health advocate, shared this insight during an interview on Tv3’s The Afternoon Show on October 8, 2026. He noted that prolonged screen use can lead to dry eyes and other symptoms of digital eye strain.

Dr Duah-Bisiw observed that people often blink less when focused on screens, disrupting the tear film that maintains eye lubrication and sharp vision. This reduced blink rate can cause sensations like grittiness, redness, intermittent blurred vision, or excessive tearing. He explained that watery eyes may be an attempt by the eyes to replenish moisture and alleviate discomfort.

While excessive screen time does not inherently cause permanent eye damage, it can contribute to visual discomfort and impairment. Children who use tablets and other screens for extended periods, especially without regular breaks, may also experience these issues. Dr Duah-Bisiw emphasized that digital eye strain results from the eyes needing to work harder to maintain focus on nearby objects for long durations.

He advised taking regular breaks from screens and paying attention to persistent eye discomforts to mitigate the effects of digital eye strain.