A February 2026 report on screen use and associated eye health risks has found that more than half of adults experience symptoms of digital eye strain (DES), including dryness, blurred vision and headaches.
The expert-backed breakdown, released by eyewear brand Overnight Glasses, examined common daily screen-based activities and identified time thresholds at which the risk of eye strain and related complications begins to increase.
According to the report, exposure to screens before bedtime significantly reduces blink rate, worsening dry eye symptoms. Experts recommend limiting screen exposure at night to no more than 20 minutes per session.
Online search data cited in the study also show a sharp rise in eye-related complaints over the past decade, with searches linked to dry eye syndrome increasing by 100 per cent and eye strain by 87.5 per cent.
Doomscrolling Tops Risk List
The report highlights doomscrolling as one of the most eye-straining habits. Surveys show that 64 per cent of Americans engage in doomscrolling, rising to 81 per cent among Gen Z users.
Researchers identified a 20-minute per session risk threshold, particularly when the activity occurs before bedtime. Data indicate that 55 per cent of doomscrolling happens at night, when the eyes have lower visual recovery capacity and heightened neurological sensitivity.
User discussions on online forums such as Reddit — including communities like r/ADHD, r/nosurf, r/simpleliving and r/eyefloaters — frequently cite hours lost to scrolling, followed by burning eyes, blurred vision, headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Short-Form Videos, Reading and Gaming Raise Concerns
Short-form video reels were also flagged as a growing concern. Medical experts note that the high contrast and rapid scene changes in such videos force viewers to micro-squint, increasing visual strain.
Industry publication Ophthalmology Times has reported warnings from eye specialists about increased cases of dry eye, headaches and temporary blurred vision linked to prolonged viewing of short-form content, especially among younger users.
Reading — though widely considered beneficial for cognitive health — was also examined. Clinically, experts note that the eyes do not distinguish between “good” and “bad” screen work. Digital reading often occurs at a closer distance (about 24 centimetres) compared to printed books (40–50 centimetres), while screen use further suppresses blinking. The report states that even 30 minutes of continuous reading on a screen can trigger tear film dysfunction and corneal surface changes, particularly in individuals prone to dry eye.
Video gaming presents a different type of strain. Unlike passive scrolling, gaming requires rapid visual processing, constant tracking and sustained attention, all of which significantly reduce blinking. Frequent gamers reportedly spend an average of four hours gaming and more than eight hours daily on screens overall, a pattern commonly associated with dryness, blurred vision and headaches.
Video Conferencing and “Visual Overload”
With remote work now commonplace, prolonged video conferencing has also emerged as a major contributor to eye strain. Project managers were identified as having some of the highest exposure, often attending between six and 12 or more virtual meetings daily.
The report notes that limiting video meetings to one to two hours per day — with regular breaks — significantly lowers risk. Sessions extending beyond that duration substantially increase visual workload and strain.
An optometrist affiliated with Overnight Glasses said duration without visual recovery is the key factor.
“Patients with consecutive video-heavy days report end-of-day blur, headaches and burning sensations,” the expert said. “The determining factor is the duration without visual recovery. After the three-hour mark, the signs become much more predictable.”
He added that mitigation strategies go beyond simply reducing screen time.
“The most effective way to treat it is not only to limit the time but also to change your position, lighting or distance to refresh your eyes,” he said.
Health professionals continue to advise regular breaks, improved lighting, adjusted screen distance and routine eye examinations to reduce the long-term impact of increased screen exposure.
Credit: Overnight glasses
