Eye strain/pain while watching TV

[Filrox]

When I watch TV for longer than a couple hours (mostly when I play video games), my right eye tends to sort of sting and get a bit watery. I've noticed if I keep watching TV or playing on the computer for extended periods of time, a small section of my eye turns red, almost like pink eye when I look in the mirror. Today I closed one eye to see if there was a difference, and my right eye was a bit blurrier than my left.. what's wrong?

P.S. I'm not on any medications.

[KellyComfort]

when you concentrate hard on things your blink rate decreases and your eye can dry out.  Anyone with chronic dry eye can tell you they get the same symptoms.  When your cornea is not adequately lubricated the eye floods it with the same type of tears you cry with.  They are not the same as the usual tears film of your eye.  When you don't have a good tear film over your cornea you vision can be more blurred.  You could consciuosly try blinking more often or perhaps purchase some artificial tears. ( Not the get the red out kind, they can be more drying.)  Another option is to cutdown on  your tv and video game sessions ;-)  Mind you I am getting close to your condition now after playing around on this computer for the last hour!

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Filrox,

While one is intent playing video games, the blink rate may be diminished and eyes may get dry. I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD to determine whether dryness is indeed the cause of your symptoms.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California