Dry Eyes and Screen Work: 8 Measures for the Working Day

Everyday life5 August 20265 min read

Focused screen work measurably changes blinking behaviour: the blink rate drops and many blinks remain incomplete. This is exactly where digital dry eye begins.

Medically reviewed by the ophthalmic team of Lux Augenzentrum, Zurich

Man leaning back at his desk resting his eyes during screen work — Short, deliberate blink breaks are the simplest measure at the workplace.

Why screens stress the ocular surface

When reading or working at a monitor, we blink less often – and frequently only halfway. Incomplete blinks spread less lipid across the tear film while irritating the lid margins, so the tear film breaks up earlier.

Dry indoor air, air conditioning and a monitor placed too high add to the effect, as a wider palpebral opening increases the evaporating surface.

Eight measures that work in practice

1. Blink completely and deliberately: ten slow, full lid closures several times per hour. 2. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds. 3. Position the monitor below eye level so your gaze is slightly lowered.

4. Increase office humidity and direct airflow from air conditioning away from your face. 5. Stay well hydrated. 6. Reduce contact lens wearing time and plan glasses breaks. 7. Add lid hygiene to your evening routine. 8. Have symptoms lasting longer than three to four weeks assessed by an ophthalmologist.

When self-help is no longer enough

If symptoms persist despite an adapted workstation, if your lids stick together in the morning or your vision fluctuates noticeably, the ocular surface should be examined objectively.

Blink analysis on the Topcon TERA shows how complete your blinks are – a finding that can often be trained specifically in everyday life.

This website provides general information and does not replace an individual ophthalmic examination, diagnosis or treatment. Outcomes vary between individuals. Seek urgent medical care for sudden pain, loss of vision or eye injury.

Book an appointment Dry Eye

All articles

Woman with tired, dry eyes gently touching her eyelids in a bright Zurich apartment

Fundamentals2 September 20266 min read

Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms and What Actually Helps

Burning, grittiness, watery eyes: dry eye usually has several drivers at once. An overview of tear film, inflammation and environment.

Read the article

Ophthalmologist examining a patient's lid margin and Meibomian glands with a slit lamp

Diagnosis19 August 20265 min read

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): The Underestimated Main Cause

The Meibomian glands supply the lipid layer of the tear film. How dysfunction develops – and how it can be documented objectively.