Dry eyes at the screen? These 5 tips will help
23.1.2024
Translation: machine translated
Burning, scratching, itching: Anyone who works on a PC a lot will be familiar with these problems. Find out what you can do about irritated eyes here.
I recently had a corneal irritation in my eye. It's just as painful as it sounds and, according to my doctor, was caused by severe dryness. Like many other people, I work exclusively on the computer - which puts a strain on my eyesight.
Less than half as many blinks in front of the screen
The main reason: we hardly blink in front of the screen. Instead of 15 blinks per minute, we only blink between four and seven times. As a result, the protective tear fluid is distributed far too little and the surface of the eye dries out. This is also known as "office eye syndrome" and can lead to irritation and eye problems in the long term. If you are also struggling with this and want to do something for your eye health, the following measures can help
1. work with heat
A game changer for me was the warming eye mask: its temperature not only stimulates the production of tear fluid, but also that of sebum. The Meibomian glands, which produce it, are located on the eyelid. The oily sebum acts as a protective agent for your eye. According to my ophthalmologist, heat ensures that it is released from the glands more easily and mixes better with the tear fluid. I myself have had significantly less discomfort since I use mine in the morning before getting up and in the evening before going to bed for about ten minutes. I then gently massage the closed eyelids and eyelid edges with my fingertips.
You can also find warming eye masks in the shop. The Pjyu model is powered via a USB port - also via the computer if you need an eye break while you're at work.
2. blink consciously
As mentioned above, the blink rate in front of a screen decreases rapidly. One measure is to consciously counteract this. For example, by taking breaks and consciously blinking 15 to 20 times in quick succession. This will moisturise your eyes. Another way to distribute the tear fluid is to blink, then circle your eyes five times clockwise, blink again and circle five times anti-clockwise. You may feel dizzy afterwards, but your eyes will be well moisturised again.
3. ensure moisturisation
If you have naturally dry eyes and also work at a PC, there is no way around regular moisturising. You can use eye drops for this. It's best to seek advice at the pharmacy. My pharmacist recommended the product from Hylo to me.
Source: Maike Jensen
Source: Maike Jensen
The viscous gel stays in the eye longer than conventional drops and can therefore protect against dryness more effectively. One of our users also confirms this with his comment "The gel formula moisturises the eyes better and for longer." Incidentally, Hylo Gel is also suitable for contact lens wearers.
4. drink enough
A home remedy that solves almost all health problems (fun!) and that you've probably heard of: Water. If you drink enough, you moisturise your body and therefore your eyes from the inside out. Sufficient hydration means drinking at least two litres a day.
5. pay attention to humidity
Whether air conditioning in summer or heated air in winter: Neither creates an eye-friendly working environment. Too little humidity dries out the eyes. It is therefore important to control the indoor climate. The best way to do this is with a hygrometer. You can also find various models in the shop. The device from TFA, for example, measures just 43 x 46 x 13 millimetres and therefore fits on even the smallest desk.
Thermometers + Hygrometers
Quantity discount
CHF5.05 per piece for 4 units
TFA Digital Thermo-Hygrometer with Comfort Zone Thermo-/Hygrometer White
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