Spending long hours staring at a phone or computer screen may leave your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable, even when you have no idea what is causing it.
Optometrist and eye health advocate Dr James Freeman Duah-Bisiw says prolonged screen exposure can contribute to dry eyes and other symptoms associated with digital eye strain.
Speaking on TV3’s The Afternoon Show on Thursday, October 8, 2026, he explained that people tend to blink less when concentrating on screens, disrupting the tear film that keeps the eyes lubricated and supports sharp vision.
“When you are focused on the screen, your blink rate reduces,” he said.
The effects may show up as a gritty sensation, redness, intermittent blurred vision, or even excessive tearing. Dr Duah-Bisiw explained that watery eyes can sometimes be a response to dryness, as the eyes try to restore moisture and relieve discomfort.
Although prolonged screen use does not necessarily cause permanent eye damage, he cautioned that it can contribute to visual discomfort and impairment.
Children who spend extended periods on tablets and other screens may also be affected, particularly when they use the devices continuously without taking breaks.
Dr Duah-Bisiw further explained that digital eye strain occurs partly because the eyes must work harder to maintain focus on nearby objects for extended periods.
His advice highlights the importance of taking regular breaks from screens and paying attention to recurring eye discomforts.
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