Dry eyes and screens: an increasingly common problem in the digital age

The intensive use of digital devices has become a constant feature of everyday life, both at work and in our personal lives. Computers, mobile phones and tablets are part of the daily routine for millions of people, but prolonged use is leading to an increasingly common problem: dry eye syndrome.

Various eye care specialists warn that spending long hours in front of screens can disrupt the eye’s natural functioning. One of the main factors is a reduction in blinking. Whilst under normal conditions a person blinks between 15 and 20 times per minute, when concentrating on a screen this frequency can be reduced by up to half, leading to reduced distribution of tears across the eye’s surface.

This lack of adequate lubrication contributes to the onset of eye discomfort. Among the most common symptoms are a gritty sensation, itching, stinging, redness and even episodes of temporary blurred vision. In some cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by eye strain, headaches or difficulty concentrating.

Furthermore, environmental factors such as the use of air conditioning, heating or low-humidity environments can exacerbate the problem, increasing tear evaporation and worsening symptoms.

In light of this, experts recommend adopting a series of simple yet effective preventive measures. One of the best known is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for at least 20 seconds and focus on an object about 6 metres away. This practice helps to relax the eye muscles and encourages blinking.

It is also important to blink consciously more frequently, adjust the screen height so that it is slightly below eye level, and maintain an appropriate viewing distance. Proper lighting in the environment and avoiding screen glare also help to reduce eye strain.

In cases where discomfort persists, the use of artificial tears may be recommended, or you should consult an eye care professional for a more comprehensive assessment.

In a world where digitalisation continues to grow, looking after your eye health is becoming essential. Adopting healthy screen habits not only prevents dry eye, but also improves general well-being and daily performance.