Dry Eyes From Screens: Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

In short: at a screen we blink less, so the surface of the eye dries out. Symptoms: burning, a gritty feeling, redness, blurriness, sensitivity to light. Breaks, conscious blinking and ventilating the room usually help. If symptoms last several weeks or worrying signs appear, see a doctor.

Why do eyes dry out at a screen?

The eye surface is protected by a thin tear film that we "refresh" with every blink. At a screen people blink much less: according to the NHS, the blink rate can drop from about 25 to under 10 per minute. The tear film evaporates faster and the eye dries. This is made worse by dry air (air conditioning, heating), time at a screen, wearing contact lenses, age and some medicines. NHS: causes of dry eyes.

Symptoms

• itching, burning, a "gritty" feeling in the eyes;
• redness;
• blurred vision that clears after blinking;
• sensitivity to light;
• watering (paradoxically, this can be a reaction to dryness);
• eye tiredness at the end of the day.

What helps

1. Conscious blinking. Close your eyes fully, do not "half-blink".
2. The 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look at something 6 metres away for 20 seconds.
3. Screen position. Top of the screen at eye level or slightly below: when the eyes look a little down, the lids cover more of the eye surface, see monitor height.
4. Air humidity. Ventilate the room and avoid air from air conditioning or heaters blowing directly on your face.
5. Drink enough water.
6. "Artificial tears" drops from a pharmacy on a pharmacist's or doctor's advice. Do not use "redness-relief" drops without a prescription.
7. Contact lenses. When working at a screen take breaks from lenses and follow your optometrist's advice.
8. Lighting and glare, see monitor brightness.

More self-care: NHS: dry eyes, prevention.

Will blue light glasses help?

There is no evidence of their benefit for eye strain, see what the research says.

When to see a doctor

See an ophthalmologist or optometrist if:

• symptoms last several weeks despite self-care;
• there is severe pain, a marked drop in vision, or light sensitivity;
• the eyes are very red, with discharge or swollen lids;
• the shape of your eyelids has changed;
• dryness comes with a dry mouth or joint pain (it may be a sign of a systemic condition);
• you wear lenses and pain or reduced vision appears.

This is not a diagnosis and not a substitute for an examination.