Long hours in air-conditioned offices and on screens are among the most common causes of dry, tired eyes. Small changes to your desk, breaks and blinking usually help within a couple of weeks. If they don’t, an eye doctor can find the cause and treat it.
Why offices dry out your eyes
- You blink less. Focusing on a screen can cut your blink rate by more than half, so tears evaporate faster.
- AC air is dry. Air blowing at your face speeds up evaporation.
- Screens sit too high. Looking up keeps your eyes wider open, exposing more of the surface.
Common symptoms
- Burning, stinging or a gritty, sandy feeling
- Redness by the end of the day
- Blurred vision that clears when you blink
- Watery eyes (the eye overproduces poor-quality tears when it is dry)
- Discomfort with contact lenses
Fixes that work
At your desk
- Set the top of your screen at or slightly below eye level, about an arm’s length away.
- Point AC vents and fans away from your face.
- Keep a water bottle at your desk.
Habits
- 20-20-20: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Blink fully and deliberately a few times when you take a break.
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses on long screen days.
- Get enough sleep. Tired eyes produce poorer tears.
Lubricating drops
Preservative-free artificial tears can help. If you need them more than four times a day, or need them every day for weeks, get your eyes examined rather than relying on drops alone.
When to see an eye doctor
- Symptoms last more than two weeks despite these changes
- Pain, light sensitivity or vision that does not clear with blinking
- Dryness along with dry mouth or joint pain
- You plan LASIK. Dry eye needs treating first.
An eye examination checks your tear quality and the oil glands in your eyelids, which are often the real cause. Treatment can include warm compresses, lid hygiene, prescription drops or in-clinic procedures.
Dry eye FAQs
Can dry eyes damage my vision?
Mild dry eye does not, but severe untreated dry eye can damage the eye’s surface. Persistent symptoms should be checked.
Do blue-light glasses prevent dry eyes?
No. Dry eyes from screen use come from reduced blinking, not blue light.
Read more about dry eye treatment at Dr. Solanki Eye Hospital or call 080 2356 2299.
