New Study Links Social Media to Eye Strain Risk
A new study warns that even one hour of social media scrolling on smartphones can lead to eye strain. Researchers found that the type of content you view matters just as much as the time spent on screens. In particular, scrolling through fast-changing content, such as social media reels, creates more eye strain compared to reading e-books or watching videos.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain is a condition linked to prolonged screen use. It can cause symptoms such as:
- Blurry or double vision
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Headaches and difficulty focusing
As smartphone use grows worldwide, nearly 90% of people now own one. Experts are raising concerns about how long daily scrolling impacts eye health.
Tracking Eye Stress in Real Time
To explore the risks, scientists studied 30 young adults in India, where smartphone usage is especially high. Using a portable monitoring system built with a Raspberry Pi and an infrared (IR) camera, researchers tracked:
- Blink rate
- Pupil size
- Time between blinks (inter-blink interval)
Participants were asked to use a Realme 6 Pro smartphone for one-hour sessions of e-book reading, video watching, and social media scrolling. The setup was carefully controlled, with a fixed chair and phone distance
Social Media Scrolling Causes the Most Strain
The results showed clear differences depending on activity. Scrolling through social media reels caused the highest levels of eye strain. Researchers observed that pupil dilation changed more frequently during social media use than while reading or watching videos.
They explained this is because the constant shifts in brightness, colours, and fast-moving content on social media require the eyes to work harder to adjust.
Reduced Blinking and Fatigue
Another striking finding was how smartphone use reduced natural blinking. During just one hour:
- Blink rate dropped by 54–61%
- Time between blinks increased by 39–42%
This means the eyes stayed open longer, which dries them out and increases fatigue. These changes are strong indicators of visual stress and discomfort.
Why This Research Matters
Most earlier studies looked at only a few minutes of screen use. By extending the observation period to one hour, this study better reflects real-world habits. Since many people spend several hours daily on smartphones, the risks of eye strain from social media scrolling are even more significant.
Protecting Your Eyes in the Digital Age
The researchers emphasise the importance of protecting vision as screen time rises. Their low-cost eye-tracking system could one day be used to monitor eye health more easily. In the meantime, experts recommend:
- Taking frequent breaks from screens
- Reducing time spent scrolling through social media
- Following the “20-20-20 rule” (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
As the study authors note, addressing eye strain from social media scrolling is not just about comfort, it’s about safeguarding long-term eye health.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 20 August 2025
- 09:00
