Spending extended hours on mobile phones, computers, tablets, and other digital devices can cause dry eyes, redness, irritation, and blurred vision, an eye health specialist has warned.
Optometrist and eye health advocate Dr James Freeman Duah-Bisiw says prolonged screen exposure can contribute to digital eye strain and dry eye symptoms, particularly among people who use electronic devices continuously without taking regular breaks.
Speaking on TV3’s The Afternoon Show on October 8, 2026, Dr Duah-Bisiw explained that people tend to blink less frequently when concentrating on their screens, affecting the tear film responsible for keeping the eyes moist and maintaining clear vision.
“When you are focused on the screen, your blink rate reduces,” he said.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
According to Dr Duah-Bisiw, reduced blinking during prolonged screen use can lead to several uncomfortable eye symptoms, including a gritty sensation, redness, intermittent blurred vision, and excessive tearing.
He noted that watery eyes do not always indicate that the eyes have sufficient moisture. In some cases, excessive tearing may occur as a natural response to dryness and irritation, as the eyes attempt to restore moisture and ease discomfort.
Digital eye strain can also develop because the eyes must work continuously to maintain focus on nearby objects for extended periods.
Although prolonged screen exposure does not necessarily result in permanent eye damage, Dr Duah-Bisiw cautioned that excessive use of digital devices can cause visual discomfort and interfere with comfortable vision.
Children Also at Risk of Screen-Related Eye Problems
The optometrist warned that children who spend long periods using smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices may also experience symptoms associated with digital eye strain.
Children who use screens continuously without taking breaks may be particularly vulnerable to eye discomfort.
With digital devices becoming increasingly common in education, entertainment, and everyday communication, he stressed the importance of developing healthy screen-use habits for both adults and children.
How to Reduce Dry Eyes and Digital Eye Strain
Dr Duah-Bisiw’s advice highlights the importance of taking regular breaks from screens and paying attention to recurring eye discomfort.
People who experience persistent dry eyes, redness, irritation, or blurred vision should consider seeking professional eye care to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate advice.
Maintaining healthy screen habits can help reduce digital eye strain and improve comfort during prolonged computer, smartphone, and tablet use.
Source: newsthemegh.com