Technology is everywhere—on our desks, in our pockets, and even on our wrists. Whether we’re answering emails, watching videos, reading the news, or video chatting with loved ones, screen time has become unavoidable.
According to a 2024 WCNC report, American adults now spend an average of 6 hours and 58 minutes per day using digital devices. That’s roughly 49 hours per week—more than a full-time job. While digital access has improved convenience, it comes with hidden health costs, especially for people living with glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Left unmanaged, it can lead to irreversible vision loss. While screens don’t cause glaucoma directly, extensive digital use can worsen related symptoms, such as dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision, and temporary spikes in IOP. Studies, including one published by Healio, show that using smartphones in low-light conditions can lead to short-term increases in IOP, a concern for glaucoma patients.
So how can you continue using screens safely and comfortably? Here are 10 practical, eye-friendly tips designed specifically for people managing glaucoma.
1. Use Magnification Apps
Reading small fonts on phones, tablets, or laptops can be frustrating for those with glaucoma, especially as peripheral vision narrows or clarity declines.
That’s where magnifier apps like SuperVision Magnifier can help. These tools allow users to zoom in on printed text or screen content using their phone’s camera, turning their device into an easy-to-use digital magnifying glass. Previously, we noted that magnification apps reduce visual effort, improve clarity, and can lessen squinting. Since these can also have an image stabilization feature, it prevents images from seemingly “moving around,” helping prevent eye strain over time.
Pro Tip: Some magnifier apps also include contrast and brightness controls, allowing you to customize your view for maximum comfort.
2. Invest in LCD Screens
If your work or hobbies involve using a computer, upgrading your screen might be one of the best investments for your eyes.
LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, especially when paired with anti-glare coatings and high-resolution displays, can reduce flicker, minimize glare, and deliver crisp contrast—all of which help reduce eye stress. LCD screens also tend to emit less harsh light than older LED models. QVC’s curated electronics collection includes several of these screens, highlighting how they’re now easier to find than ever before. Leading brands like Apple have even approached LCD screen creation specifically with eye health in mind. For example, their 27-inch Retina iMac features an advanced LCD 5K display with adjustable brightness and stunning resolution.
Pro Tip: When choosing a monitor, look for models that support flicker-free technology and offer a matte screen surface.
3. Turn On Dark Mode and High Contrast Themes
Dark mode inverts the usual color scheme, offering white text on a dark background. For many users with glaucoma, this reduces screen brightness and limits the amount of scattered light entering the eye.
High-contrast settings can also be game-changers. Whether you’re reading text, watching videos, or typing a document, strong contrast improves clarity and reduces eye exhaustion.
Most devices, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, offer built-in accessibility features for this. You can also increase font size, bold text, and use zoom functions for more comfortable browsing.
Pro Tip: If dark mode makes reading harder due to astigmatism or blurry vision, try sepia-tone backgrounds instead.
4. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule Religiously
Eye fatigue builds up quickly during screen use. One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage it is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
This small break allows the muscles inside your eye to relax, promoting better circulation and reducing IOP spikes. As noted by Glaucoma.org, short, consistent breaks can be more effective than long ones taken less frequently.
Pro Tip: Use phone timers or break-reminder apps to build this habit into your day.
5. Use Voice Assistants and Text-to-Speech Tools
Modern devices include robust voice control features—like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa—that allow users to call, text, search, or schedule tasks using only their voice.
Screen readers, like Apple’s VoiceOver or Android’s TalkBack, can also read aloud on-screen content, reducing the need for visual interaction. These tools are invaluable for people with moderate to advanced glaucoma, who may find small screen elements or menus difficult to navigate.
Pro Tip: Enable voice-to-text for composing emails or messages hands-free.
6. Block Blue Light with Filters
Blue light emitted by screens can lead to digital eye strain, sleep disruption, and glare-related discomfort. For glaucoma patients, blue light can also cause the eyes to work harder to focus, contributing to fatigue and tension.
Thankfully, medical-grade blue light filters for smartphones, tablets, and computers can help. These protectors help preserve clarity while minimizing visual stress and are available from widespread manufacturers such as Ocushield and their newly acquired company EyeJust.
Pro Tip: Combine a blue light filter with “Night Shift” or “Night Mode” settings on your device for additional relief in the evenings.
7. Set Up a Glare-Free, Well-Lit Environment
Room lighting matters more than many people realize. Poor lighting causes your pupils to dilate, which can increase IOP temporarily and force your eyes to work harder.
Use diffused ambient lighting rather than harsh overhead lights and avoid staring at screens in complete darkness. Chain stores like Target even sell lights with dimmable controls, so you can adjust the intensity and temperature of your lights to suit your day-to-day needs. Additionally, adjust your monitor’s position to reduce reflections from windows or lamps.
Pro Tip: Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness and a flexible arm to fine-tune lighting based on your activity.
8. Adjust Text Size, Fonts, and Layouts
Most devices now let users customize text size, boldness, and screen layout. Making text larger and interfaces simpler reduces the need to focus on small details, a common cause of visual fatigue. On e-readers like Kobo and specific browsers, you can often set a default zoom level so that every page loads in a more readable format.
Pro Tip: Use sans-serif fonts (like Arial or Verdana) in your documents or browser settings since they’re easier to read for low-vision users
9. Combat Dry Eyes with Moisture Support
Many glaucoma patients use medicated eye drops that can cause dryness. Combine that with reduced blinking during screen use, and dry eye symptoms become a major concern.
Consider using a cool-mist humidifier, taking frequent blinking breaks, and applying preservative-free artificial tears as directed by your eye doctor. Prolonged dryness can affect vision quality and increase discomfort during screen time. As researchers have confirmed, dryness and light sensitivity often go hand in hand, especially in low-light screen use.
Pro Tip: Look up the 20-8-8 rule for blinking: every 20 minutes, close your eyes for 8 seconds and blink 8 times quickly to reset moisture.
10. Track Your Screen Time and Set Digital Limits
The first step to changing your habits is awareness. Tools like Digital Wellbeing on Android or Screen Time on iOS show how many hours you spend on your device and let you set usage limits. This can help you establish screen-free periods throughout the day—ideal for doing eye exercises, resting, or simply reducing overexposure. Ocular experts recommend structured breaks to help reduce IOP variability and maintain visual health.
Pro Tip: Schedule “digital curfews” at night to reduce blue light exposure and support better sleep.
Living with glaucoma means making informed, eye-conscious choices, especially in today’s screen-heavy world. But it doesn’t mean cutting yourself off from technology. By using tools like magnification apps, voice controls, screen filters, and eye-friendly monitors, you can continue to use electronics safely and confidently.
With screen time now a daily reality for most of us, the key is to be proactive, not reactive. These small adjustments can have a big impact on long-term comfort, vision preservation, and quality of life. Take control of your screen habits. Your eyes will thank you.
Article written by Rose Joanne
Exclusively for
