- The most common symptoms include irritated or itchy eyes, and a sensation of dryness or sand on the surface of the eye.
- Screens are also a source of projected light, which raises the temperature of the eye’s surface and increases tear evaporation.
- According to the data we gathered, increased screen time was linked to more severe dry eye symptoms.
Although reducing screen time is impossible in certain jobs, we can reduce irritation and problems by following certain recommendations. A basic understanding of the issue can also help us to look after our eyes.
Teardrops and eyelids
- The eye’s surface is made up of eyelids, the tear film (the eye’s liquid coating), the cornea and the conjunctiva.
- If any of them are affected, it can lead to irritation in the eye.
- The eyelids are what keep the tear film evenly distributed, as well as providing protection.
Do you suffer from dry eye disease?
- First and foremost, there is often no cause for panic: suffering certain symptoms of dry eyes does not necessarily mean you have dry eye disease.
- A medical professional will determine whether this damage exists, and what further measures need to be taken.
How to reduce irritation and avoid dry eye disease
By taking precautions, we can ensure that screens work with us, not against us.
Screen height: It is always best to keep screens below eye level. This way the eyelids do not have to open as much, meaning less of the eye’s surface is exposed for prolonged periods.
Screen position and lighting: You should avoid light reflecting off screens, be it from a lamp or from a window behind where you sit. Excessive light forces us to concentrate harder, and therefore to blink less. This can be solved by using anti reflective filters.
Rest periods: Rest is your eyes’ best friend. A common rule of thumb is the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of work, look at something 20 feet away (about 6 metres), for 20 seconds. This has been proven to reduce symptoms of eye dryness, as looking away from the screen re establishes our normal rate of blinking.
Environmental conditions: Low humidity, high temperatures, air currents from open windows or air conditioners, tobacco smoke and excessive air freshener can all be bad for eye health.
Eye hydration: Eye drops may be the best option on particularly intense working days. Avoid saline solutions, as their composition is not the same as the tear film. They lack the oils and proteins, and could destabilise this layer. The best option is single dose artificial tears, which do not contain preservatives and do not damage the eye.
The prevalence of screens in our society means that symptoms of dry eye disease are commonplace. If we confront this issue by taking the right steps, however, it doesn’t have to affect our quality of life.
Las personas firmantes no son asalariadas, ni consultoras, ni poseen acciones, ni reciben financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y han declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado anteriormente.
