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Dry Eye & Digital
Eye Strain

If your eyes feel gritty, tired, or uncomfortable after screen use — you're not alone. Dry eye and digital eye strain are among the most common complaints in modern practice, and both are very manageable with the right assessment and treatment plan.

About This Service

Understanding Dry Eye and Screen-Related Strain

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye's tear film is insufficient — either because not enough tears are produced, or because they evaporate too quickly. The result is a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life and visual performance.

Digital eye strain (also called computer vision syndrome) is caused by prolonged screen use. When we look at screens, we blink far less frequently than normal — reducing tear distribution and leading to dryness, fatigue, and blurred vision.

The two conditions often co-exist and reinforce each other. A proper assessment identifies the underlying cause and allows us to recommend targeted interventions, which may include lubricating eye drops, lifestyle modifications, blink exercises, or addressing an underlying prescription issue.

Common Contributing Causes

—Extended screen time (computers, phones, tablets) with reduced blinking
—Air conditioning, heating, and low-humidity environments
—Contact lens wear, particularly in dry environments
—Ageing — tear production naturally decreases from the 40s onwards
—Hormonal changes, particularly in post-menopausal women
—Certain medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants
—Incorrect spectacle or contact lens prescription causing excessive focusing effort
Symptoms

Recognising the Symptoms

Gritty or Sandy SensationA feeling that something is in the eye, even when nothing is present.
Burning or StingingPersistent irritation or burning, particularly towards the end of the day.
Blurred VisionVariable blurring that often improves temporarily with blinking.
Eye FatigueTired, heavy eyes after reading, screen use, or driving.
Light SensitivityIncreased sensitivity to bright light or glare from screens.
HeadachesFrontal headaches, often associated with long periods of close work or screen use.
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Can dry eye be cured, or just managed?
For many patients, dry eye is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management rather than a single cure. However, with the right treatment approach — including lubricating drops, environmental changes, and addressing contributing factors — symptoms can be significantly reduced and comfort greatly improved.
Is digital eye strain the same as dry eye?
They are related but not the same. Digital eye strain refers to the cluster of symptoms caused by prolonged screen use, including reduced blinking. This reduced blinking can worsen dry eye, but eye strain can also occur in patients with adequate tear production — often due to an uncorrected prescription or poor screen ergonomics.
What can I do at home to relieve dry eye symptoms?
Lubricating eye drops (preservative-free where possible), the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), increasing blink awareness, and improving screen ergonomics can all help. We'll provide personalised guidance during your assessment.

Get Relief from Dry Eye & Eye Strain

A proper assessment is the first step toward lasting comfort. Book with us via WhatsApp or phone.

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