The time you spend in front a computer or screen can impact the health of your eyes. Research shows a definitive link between computer use and dry eye syndrome, along with other vision symptoms.

The Link Between Computer Use and Dry Eye

There are two types of dry eye — aqueous deficient (decreased tear production) and evaporative. Evaporative is the most common type and the group that is most impacted by computer use.

While using a computer, the amount of eye blinks you take is decreased by up to 66-percent.¹ With less blinking occurring, the hydrating tears and mucus spread across your eyes decreases and results in dry eyes.¹

Studies show that this decrease in blinks leads to “incomplete blinking, evaporation of tears, and [eventually] dry eye disease.”²

Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms

Long-term computer use may cause computer vision syndrome which has additional symptoms outside of dry eye including:

• Eye fatigue
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Head and neck pain

How to Help Dry Eyes

In today’s digital world, reducing computer time is not an option for many; however, there are ways to manage and reduce the symptoms associated with dry eye and computer vision syndrome.

Office Space Updates:

• Schedule breaks while on the computer – taking occasional breaks while on the computer helps to rest your eyes. Every 20 minutes, simply look 20 feet away from your screen for at least 20 seconds to rest your eyes.
• Adjust air quality in your workspace –adding a humidifier to your workspace helps to reduce the dry air and may help reduce symptoms.
• Adjust lighting – bright lights increase eye strain when looking at a screen, especially when above or behind you. Softer lighting can reduce glare and eye strain.

Supplements for Dry Eyes

There are various supplements which help dry eyes and the symptoms associated with it:
• Omega-3: helps reduce rate of tear evaporation³
• Vitamin C: helps maintain tear film and conjunctival surface⁴
• Magnesium: deficiency in magnesium is linked to dry eyes⁵
• Vitamin B6: helps with magnesium absorption which is necessary for tear production⁶
• Lactoferrin: individuals with dry eye also have low levels of lactoferrin, a protein complex naturally found in tears⁷

Treating Dry Eye

To ensure you're getting all of the vitamins needed to help dry eyes in the recommended dosages, finding a specific formula is ideal. The EyeScience Dry Eye Formula contains a blend of nutrients specifically designed to help manage dry eye, as outlined below. To learn more about dry eye and eye health in general, visit our blog. 

¹ Healthline
² NCBI
³ Healthline
⁴ Performance Labs
⁵ All About Vision
⁶ De Gruyter
⁷ Natural Eye Care

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.