Staring at a screen all day? Tips for keeping dry eye at bay

A few simple steps such as remembering to take a break from screens or reading every 20 minutes can help prevent the risk of getting dry eye. — Prostock-Studio/IStock.com/AFP

Although screens aren't the only cause of visual fatigue and dry eye syndrome, they're increasingly contributing to the ailment, which affects millions of people worldwide. Lockdown conditions haven't helped either, as working from home often goes hand-in-hand with increased screen time. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to help prevent the problem.

Have you ever noticed your eyes feeling dry? While this symptom alone doesn't necessarily mean you're suffering from dry eye syndrome, it indicates a certain visual fatigue, and generally also a deficit in tear production. If this dry feeling is accompanied by tingling, itching or discomfort in the eyes, or your eyelids are sticking together – especially on waking – then you're almost certainly suffering from dry eye.