We spend most of our day in front of a screen: the computer at work, the smartphone in our free time, the TV in the evening. It is no surprise that dry eye is an increasingly common disorder.
If at the end of the day your eyes feel gritty, burning, or red, it could be the so-called digital eye strain.
Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do.
Why does the computer promote dry eye?
The eye remains hydrated thanks to the tear film, a liquid veil that distributes across the ocular surface every time we blink. Under normal conditions, we do this about 15-20 times per minute.
When we stare at a screen, without realizing it, we blink much less, sometimes half as often. As a result:
- tears do not distribute evenly;
- the eye's surface remains exposed to the air for longer;
- the aqueous layer evaporates faster and the eye becomes dry and irritated.
Air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter reduce humidity in rooms and worsen the situation.
What is evaporative dry eye?
Not all dry eye is the same. When it is linked to screen use, it is often referred to as evaporative dry eye.
The tear film is made up of three layers. The outermost one is lipid (made of fats) and serves to slow the evaporation of the water underneath. If this layer is altered or too thin, the eye dries out quickly even if tears are being produced.
For this reason, in addition to classic water-based eye drops, there are products designed for the lipid component of the tear film.
Lacrisek Plus Spray: how it works
Lacrisek Plus Spray by Fidia is a sterile medical device, preservative-free, based on liposomes (phospholipids), vitamin A, vitamin E, and amino acids. It is indicated for dry eye disorders (sensation of a foreign body, burning, and eye itching), tear film abnormalities, and inflammatory states of the eyelids.
It is sprayed on closed eyelids: with every blink, the liposomes reach the tear film, integrating its lipid component.
Why it is convenient on closed eyelids
- No drops in the eye: useful for those who struggle with traditional eye drops or use them at the office and while traveling.
- Even with makeup: it can be used over makeup by spraying from about 10 cm away.
- Practical format: 8 ml spray bottle, preservative-free.
After application, slight and temporary blurred vision may occur.
Good habits in front of the screen
- 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and look at a point about 6 meters (20 feet) away for at least 20 seconds.
- Blink: remember to do it often, especially during more focused activities.
- Position the screen well: about 50-70 cm from the eyes, with the top edge at eye level or slightly below.
- Glasses suitable for computer work: an updated prescription for screen distance and good anti-reflective treatment reduce strain. We are happy to discuss this with you in the shop.
If dryness is persistent, very annoying, or accompanied by pain or vision loss, consult an ophthalmologist. You can find more information on our dry eye page.
Lacrisek Plus Spray is a CE 0546 medical device. Read the warnings and instructions for use carefully.