It’s no secret that we’re spending more time than ever on screens—whether it’s for work, school, entertainment, or keeping up with friends and family. If you wear contact lenses, you may have noticed that your eyes feel more tired or dry during long hours in front of a screen. At Eye Care Optometry, we understand the challenges contact lens wearers face in a digital world—and we’re here to help you stay clear and comfortable no matter how long your day is.
Why Screen Time and Contact Lenses Can Clash
When your eyes are focused on a screen, you blink less often—sometimes up to 60% less frequently. This reduced blinking causes your lenses to dry out faster, leading to that familiar gritty or burning feeling by mid-afternoon. Combine that with the blue light and glare from screens, and your eyes can end up feeling fatigued, blurry, and irritated.
Some common signs your contact lenses and screen time aren’t getting along include:
- Dry, itchy, or red eyes
- Difficulty focusing or fluctuating vision
- A feeling like there’s something in your eye
- Fatigue or soreness after using your computer or phone
- Needing to remove lenses earlier in the day than usual
Smart Habits for Comfortable Screen Time
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to reduce eye strain while still enjoying the benefits of contact lenses. These include:
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This relaxes your focusing muscles and helps prevent fatigue.
- Blink often and fully: Make a conscious effort to blink while reading or typing to keep your lenses hydrated.
- Use lubricating drops: Artificial tears labeled for contact lens use can help relieve dryness throughout the day.
- Adjust screen settings: Lower brightness and increase contrast to ease the strain on your eyes.
- Keep your screen at eye level: Looking slightly downward helps maintain a normal blink rate and reduce strain on your neck and eyes.
Contact Lenses Designed for Screen Comfort
Some lens materials are better suited for digital use than others. At Eye Care Optometry, we offer a range of contact lenses made with high moisture content and advanced oxygen permeability—ideal for patients who spend long hours using computers or mobile devices.
We may recommend:
- Daily disposable lenses: A fresh pair each day can reduce irritation and build-up, especially helpful in dry environments.
- Hydrogel or silicone hydrogel lenses: These materials retain moisture and help your eyes stay oxygenated.
- Multifocal or toric lenses: Designed for patients with presbyopia or astigmatism who still need comfort during screen use.
Glasses Can Help, Too
If you wear glasses part-time or switch off from contacts during the day, consider lenses with anti-reflective coatings or blue light filters. These enhancements can reduce glare and make your screen time more visually relaxing—even if you’re not wearing your contacts at that moment.
Let’s Find What Works for You
No two eyes are the same—and neither are your screen habits. That’s why we offer personalized fittings, digital eye strain evaluations, and lens recommendations based on your lifestyle. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable all day long, whether you're sending emails, binging a series, or checking in on social media.
At Eye Care Optometry, our services include:
- Custom contact lens fittings
- Dry eye evaluations and treatment
- Digital screen assessments
- Blue light and anti-reflective lens options
- Ongoing support for vision changes over time
See Clearly, Work Comfortably
Screen time doesn’t have to mean eye discomfort. With the right lenses, a few helpful habits, and guidance from your eye care team, you can enjoy both digital convenience and lasting clarity.
Feeling dry or tired while wearing your contacts? Schedule an appointment at Eye Care Optometry today and ask about screen-friendly lenses, dry eye relief, and personalized strategies for your vision comfort.