12 Dry Eye Recommendations for Office Workers

Looking at a screen for long periods of time can take a toll on our eyes and could possibly be one of the factors causing dry eyes. Our eyes do not blink the most efficiently when looking at a screen and they tend to blink less. However, this is not the only culprit to blame. There are actually a few more considerations within your home and office to look at to help reduce dry eyes. Check out the tips below to help refresh your eyes and keep them hydrated. 

1. Blink your eyes or close your eyes tightly for brief periods of time throughout your workday. This will help compensate for the other blinks which take place when looking at a screen that is possibly not as effective.
2. Practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 
3. Be sure the top of your monitor is at eyebrow level. When your monitor is too high, it is difficult for your eyes to blink and stay hydrated. If you wear bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses, you may want to lower your monitor below this height. Feel free to read this article [Monitor Positioning Tips] for more information on this. 
4. Keep your monitor at least an arm’s length away. 
5. If you are using a single monitor, try to aim for a 27-inch monitor. If you are using two monitors, try to aim for two 24-inch monitors. 
6. If you have a desktop fan, avoid pointing this toward your face and eyes. 
7. Use a desktop humidifier, especially during the drier months of the year.
8. Reduce the amount of glare on your computer screen. Positioning your computer monitor at a 90-degree angle from a natural light source can help. 
9. When using desktop lamps, be sure the light source is below eye level. This helps to reduce the amount of light that is shining directly into your eyes. 
10. Use a warm compress in the morning when you wake up to help open up the gland in your eyes which helps them stay hydrated. 
11. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout your day. 
12. Be sure to stay up to date with eye checkups and vision prescriptions. 

If these tips do not help with your dry eye symptoms, be sure to talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist. A doctor in this field of work is an expert in dry eye conditions. 

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