Visual impact of smartphones: A narrative review of ocular changes and management approaches

The rapid rise in smartphone use has raised growing concern about its impact on ocular health. This narrative review explores current evidence on the visual consequences of prolonged smartphone exposure focusing on tear film instability, blink pattern alterations, accommodative stress, and intraocular pressure changes. Digital eye strain, increasingly prevalent across all age groups, presents with symptoms including dryness, visual fatigue, burning, and blurred vision. Reduced blink rate and incomplete blinking during screen use contribute to tear film instability and evaporative dry eye. Studies have documented decreased tear breakup time and increased ocular discomfort following even brief periods of smartphone use. In pediatric populations, prolonged screen exposure correlates with myopic progression. Diagnostic challenges arise due to temporary symptom amplification following recent device use warranting standardized preassessment protocols. Evidence-based interventions include blink training, screen time limitation, ergonomic modifications, and use of preservative-free lubricants. Blue light filters and nutritional supplements offer variable benefit with limited clinical validation. This review highlights the need for increased awareness and well-designed longitudinal studies to inform the diagnosis and management of smartphone-related ocular changes.