If you are working within digital marketing – or any other job that requires you to spend a lot of time in front of the screen – then you will know about the struggle with dry eyes. Today I would like to share my favorite tips and tricks on how to deal with dry eyes at work.
I personally do have other eye conditions that do increase the likelihood of me getting dry eye, but the tips below should be useful for anyone. I have left out the obvious option of not wearing your contacts when your eyes are irritated. Wear your glasses whenever you are feeling discomfort in your eyes, as wearing contacts can lead to infections, lack of oxygen getting you your eye, and overall discomfort.
Disclaimer: I am not an eye doctor nor a trained medical professional. The below tips are in no way meant to replace a doctors/optometrist consultation. I am only speaking from my experience and what has worked for me may not work for you.
With that said, let’s start!
Warm Compresses
My number 1 top when it comes to dry eyes are warm compresses. I have found that putting on a warm compress after a long day at the office is not only soothing for my eyes but also very relaxing. Warm compresses do not only help dry eyes, but they are also used to reduce symptoms associated with blepharitis, conjunctivitis as well as styes. You could just use a wet, warm cloth to reduce the discomfort but I have invested in an Optaze Reusable Moist Heat Eye Mask and it was one of the best decisions, as it has helped me so much. Not only can it be used as a warm compress, but also as a cold compress. If you haven’t tried it and suffer from dry eyes or any other eye discomfort, do yourself a favor and try the Eye Mask.
Stay Hydrated
I know everyone keeps telling you to stay hydrated, but it really is important for your health as well s the health of your eyes. While there are different opinions about how much water you should drink a day, I suggest that you drink at least 2L of water. Water will not only help to prevent dry eyes but will also ensure that toxins are flushed out of your system. Drink water kids!
Artificial Tears
One of the most obvious remedies for dry eyes is artificial tears. I recommend sticking to eye drops that are preservative-free. Furthermore, you can use ointments and gel drops overnight, as these have a higher viscosity and therefore will keep your eyes lubricated longer.
Some preservative free eyedrops are:
- Hycosan Extra Eye Drops
- Blink Contacts Eye Drops – Vials
- A.Vogel Eye Drops
- Systane Ultra
- Thealoz Duo
- Bausch & Lomb Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops
As already mentioned at the beginning of this post, I have incredibly sensitive eyes and I have used Bausch + Lomb and Hycosan products for over 15 years now with no problems.
20-20-20 Rule
Take a 20-second break from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on an object that is 20 ft away. While this helps prevent eye strain and doesn’t directly reduce dry eyes, taking regular breaks will remind you to blink. Normally, we presupposed to blink between 10-15 times within a minute, but working in front of a screen reduces that amount to 7-8 times per minute, thus leading to eye strain, dry eyes, headaches and overall discomfort.
