Best Eye Drops for Dry and Tired Eyes Caused by Screens

Do your eyes feel fatigued, dry, or irritated after spending long hours in front of digital screens? You’re not alone.

According to a survey published by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), nearly 89% of professionals recognised digital eye strain (DES) as a significant concern.

Luckily, the right eye drops can help provide relief from dry eye symptoms. This article will explore the top dry eye drops for computer use and offer tips to reduce discomfort caused by excessive screen time.

• What is digital eye strain?
• How can eye drops help?
• Expert-approved eye drops for digital eye strain
• Lifestyle and home remedy tips by our experts
• When to see an eye care professional

What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain, commonly known as computer vision syndrome, refers to the discomfort experienced after prolonged use of digital devices, such as cell phones or tablets. This condition is quite common. Most people find their eyes feeling tired or strained after a long day, usually accompanied by squinting.

What causes eye strain?

Eye strain can be caused by a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:

• Prolonged use of computers and cell phones
• Reduced blinking
• Less amount of lighting while working
• Screen glare
• Improper screen distance
• Brightness of the digital screens

Common symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of dry eyes due to screen use may include:

• Itchy or gritty eyes (feeling of something being stuck in the eye)
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Red eyes
• Sore or tired eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Mucus discharge
• Watery eyes

According to the Applied Cognition Research Group UK, our blink rate can decrease by up to 66% when looking at screens, leading to dry eyes.

If you have any of the above symptoms, it's important to see your optician for an examination. They will be able to recommend a treatment plan, which may include eye drops or other options.

How can eye drops help?

Eye drops can help by lubricating your eyes while using digital screens. Lubricating eye drops, also referred to as artificial tears for digital use, moisturise and soothe the eyes by imitating the natural tear film.

These drops also help in:

• Restoring eye moisture
• Reducing redness and irritation
• Improving comfort during long screen sessions, and
• Supporting better focus by reducing dryness-related blurring

Available in various forms, such as gel-based, liquid, and ointment (thicker than liquid drops and comes in a tube), you can choose the eye drops that best suit your needs.

Expert-approved eye drops for digital eye strain

Here are optician-recommended picks to help relieve dryness from prolonged screen use:

Lifestyle and home remedy tips by our experts

Eye drops help, but lifestyle changes make a massive difference. Here are some digital fatigue remedies that can help protect your eyes:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit will help reduce eye strain and give your eyes a break.

2. Adjust your screen setup and settings

Keep your screen at arm’s length and slightly below eye level. Adjust the display settings like increasing the font size and reducing the brightness to minimise eye strain.

3. Adjust lighting

Bright light can cause glare and make it difficult for you to see objects. Soft lighting helps reduce eye strain.

4. Improve the air quality of your space

Dry environment can cause drier eyes. Use a humidifier, avoid direct airflow from fans or vents, and avoid smoky spaces. These simple changes can help protect your eyes.

5. Blink more

Remind yourself to blink at regular intervals. Blinking produces tears that help keep eyes moisturised and refreshed. Try setting a gentle reminder or using blink training apps.

When to see an eye care professional

Whether you’re a rigorous laptop, phone, or tablet user, the right eye drops can help with eye strain. However, it’s best to follow your optician’s advice along with the tips that we shared.

If your eyes continue to feel strained or irritated even after our tips, visit an optician. They can assess whether you may need eye drops, prescription glasses, contact lenses or any other course of treatment.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eye care professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.