Eyes often water when looking at a phone screen, a common and uncomfortable experience for those who use digital devices. This issue can cause discomfort and disrupt daily activities. Understanding its causes can help manage symptoms effectively.
The Reasons Your Eyes Water
A primary reason eyes water when using a phone is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. This condition arises from the prolonged effort required to view digital screens. Eye muscles work harder to maintain focus, leading to fatigue and symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, and eye discomfort.
A significant factor contributing to digital eye strain and watering is a reduced blink rate. Adults normally blink 15 to 20 times per minute, spreading tears across the eye surface to keep them moist. When concentrating on a phone, this rate can decrease to 5 to 7 times per minute. This reduction leads to increased tear evaporation and dry eyes. The eyes then compensate by producing excess tears, leading to a watery sensation.
Glare from the phone screen also causes eye discomfort. Reflections and excessive brightness force eyes to work harder, increasing strain. Improper viewing distance or screen settings also contribute. Holding a phone too close, generally less than 14 inches (35 cm), increases eye fatigue. An ideal distance is 16-18 inches (40-45 cm) or about an arm’s length.
Practical Solutions for Comfort
Practical strategies can alleviate eye watering and discomfort from phone use. The “20-20-20 rule” is a recommended approach: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This allows eye muscles to relax and helps prevent strain. Consciously blinking more often also helps re-lubricate the eye surface.
Adjusting screen settings can enhance comfort. Match screen brightness to ambient lighting to reduce glare and strain. Increasing font size on your phone can lessen the need to hold the device too close, reducing focusing effort. Using a matte screen filter can also minimize reflections and improve visual comfort.
Maintaining an appropriate viewing distance is beneficial. Holding your phone approximately 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 cm) away, or roughly an arm’s length, can reduce visual fatigue. If dryness persists despite these measures, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Advice
While many cases of watery eyes from phone use can be managed with home remedies, some symptoms warrant professional evaluation. If you experience persistent eye pain, blurred vision that does not resolve after resting your eyes, or double vision, consult an eye care professional. These symptoms could indicate underlying eye conditions that require diagnosis and treatment.
Severe headaches that accompany phone use, unusual light sensitivity, or persistent redness and irritation in the eyes are signals to seek professional advice. These signs may point to issues beyond simple digital eye strain. An eye care professional can perform a comprehensive examination to rule out other conditions and provide tailored recommendations for your specific situation.