The short answer is that there is no evidence that keratoconus can worsen through excessive computer use. Read on to learn more about computer use and keratoconus.
Based on current evidence, computer use does not directly cause keratoconus to progress. The light or radiation from a screen does not weaken or change the shape of your cornea. However, there is a significant indirect link that every keratoconus patient should understand.
The real issue is a chain of events triggered by prolonged screen time:
Staring at screens for long periods leads to Digital Eye Strain and causes people to blink less than half as often as they normally would. This reduced blinking leads directly to dry, sore, and itchy eyes.
For a person with keratoconus, this dryness is often more severe. The irregular, cone-like shape of the cornea already prevents the tear film from spreading evenly, creating a natural tendency toward dryness. When combined with the effects of computer use, the symptoms of irritation and itching can become intense.
This intense irritation creates a powerful, often subconscious, urge to rub the eyes for relief.
This final step is the most critical. Eye rubbing is now recognized as a major risk factor that can damage the thin, weak corneal tissue in keratoconus patients. A growing body of research suggests that this mechanical stress is not just an aggravating factor but may be a primary driver of keratoconus progression. A 2021 study in Current Opinion in Ophthalmology described eye rubbing as potentially "the indispensable act precipitating the cascade of events leading to permanent corneal deformation".
The key is to break this chain reaction by managing the symptoms that lead to eye rubbing.
This is the most important rule. The mechanical force can worsen your condition. If your eyes feel irritated, use lubricating eye drops instead.
To combat eye strain, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of computer use.
Apply artificial tears, preferably preservative-free, before and during long computer sessions to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently while using a screen to replenish your tear film.
Position your monitor about 20-28 inches away and slightly below eye level. Adjust brightness to match the room's lighting and increase the font size to avoid straining.
