How to help combat the effects of screen fatigue
It may be hard to avoid using screens these days, but thanks to Optrex, you can help make sure your eyes are protected while doing so
Between phones, laptops and the TV, it’s easy to lose track of how much time we’ve spent staring at screens each day. This is especially true at the moment, when more time at home has meant a significant increase in virtual activity for many of us.
If your eyes are feeling more tired than usual, then you may be suffering from screen fatigue, which is thought to affect 90% of computer users*. Symptoms can include frequent headaches and blurry vision, making it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time. According to one study, eye strain has increased by more than 60% in recent months, which is likely a direct result of spending more time at home**.
Thankfully, screen fatigue doesn’t have to mean permanent damage, and there are simple steps you can take to protect your sight – such as using Optrex’s ActiMist for Tired and Strained Eyes.
How does it work?
When your eyes feel tired and strained, it can be due to damage to their protective lipid layer. The Optrex ActiMist Spray for Tired and Strained Eyes helps restore the lipid layer by replenishing the tear film with moisture, providing cool, soothing relief for up to four hours at a time.
This handy, preservative-free solution comes in a pocket-sized bottle and can be used when you’re wearing contact lenses or make-up, so you can benefit from fast-acting relief whenever and wherever suits you.
1. Spray
When sprayed onto closed eyelids, the lipids in Optrex ActiMist travel down towards the lid margin.
2. Blink
The natural blink of the eye spreads the lipids across the eye’s surface.
3. Restore
Optrex ActiMist stabilises and restores the lipid layer and is clinically proven to be effective.
What causes screen fatigue?
Just like any other muscle in our body, the muscles around our eyes get tired after prolonged periods of use. This means that staring at screens without frequent breaks could lead to eye strain. You may also suffer from blurry vision, which happens when your focus spasms after intensely gazing at a fixed point for too long.
Another symptom of screen fatigue is dry eye. According to one study, we blink 60% less when looking at screens***, which accelerates the evaporation of the eye’s tear film, resulting in itchiness. Dry eye is different to tired eye because it’s not muscular, but physical symptoms such as blurred vision and discomfort, are still common.
Be screen smart
You can combine your use of Optrex products with several other easy things to minimise your risk of suffering from screen fatigue, including:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look up from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
2. Keep your screen at arm’s length away, and make sure your eyes are level with the top of the screen to prevent strain.
3. Dehydration can increase symptoms of eye fatigue, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
*visionmatters.org.uk/downloads/habit-8-be-screen-smart-a5-flyer-final.pdf. **Brandwatch Consumer Research, Bulletin 33, accessed Feb 2021, brandwatch.com/email/brandwatch-bulletin-0033-pandemic-aches-pains. ***Blehm C et al. Computer Vision Syndrome: A Review. Surv Opthalmol. 2005 May – Jun; 50(3):253-62. Accessed Aug 2018. Optrex Actimist for Tired & Strained Eyes is a medical device. Always read the instructions. Date of preparation: March 2021. RB-M-32935