Keratoconus & Digital Eyes

Many individuals with keratoconus (KC) wonder if using a computer will worsen their condition. Although there is no evidence that directly links computer usage to KC, the excessive use of a computer can lead to digital eye strain and eye dryness.  According to experts, “dry eye symptoms, such as soreness, itching, and irritation, are commonly reported, and the use of digital devices like smartphones and tablets seems to exacerbate the frequency or severity of these symptoms.”  Dry eyes can be extremely problematic for people with KC because people with dry eyes commonly rub their eyes and eye rubbing can cause the progression of the disease. To protect your eyes against dryness when using a computer, be sure to blink frequently to keep your eyes lubricated with over-the-counter eye drops like Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops and Bausch + Lomb Sooth Lubricant Eye Drops. Additionally, relieve digital eye strain by consciously blinking and by implementing the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes away from the computer screen and stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds or more. If technology use is causing significant eye strain, talk to your eye doctor about other treatments that may work for you.