Eye health · 26 August 2026 · 1 min read
Dry eye and screen time: five habits that genuinely help
Gritty, tired, watery eyes after a day on screens? You blink about a third less when you concentrate. Here is what actually works.
Dry eye is now the most common complaint we hear in practice, and screens are a big part of the reason. When you focus on a screen your blink rate drops from around 15 blinks a minute to 5 or 6. Each blink spreads a fresh layer of tears; fewer blinks means the tear film breaks up and the surface of the eye dries out.
Five things that make a real difference
- 20-20-20: every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds — and blink fully, twice
- Screen below eye level: looking slightly down keeps more of the eye covered by the lids
- Warm compress: 5–10 minutes with a heated eye mask helps the meibomian glands release the oil that stops tears evaporating
- Humidity: move away from heaters and air-con vents; a small desk humidifier helps in winter
- Preservative-free drops: used regularly, not just when it hurts
When to see us
If symptoms persist, or your eyes are red and sore, book into our Dry Eye Clinic. We grade the dryness with special dyes, check your eyelid glands, and build a plan that includes drops, lid care and — where blepharitis is involved — BlephEx treatment. Find out more about Enhanced Eye Care.
