From the Guidelines
To relieve eye stinging while continuing to work at your computer, take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule and use preservative-free artificial tears like Refresh or Systane as needed to lubricate your eyes. This is based on the most recent and highest quality study, which recommends these measures to decrease the discomfort associated with computer and reading activities 1.
When working on a computer for a long time, it's essential to adjust your workspace to reduce eye strain. This can be achieved by:
- Positioning your monitor at arm's length and slightly below eye level
- Reducing screen brightness and eliminating glare
- Enabling night mode or blue light filters on your devices
- Increasing your blinking rate consciously, as we tend to blink less when focusing on screens
- Staying hydrated and maintaining proper room humidity
These measures help because digital eye strain occurs from reduced blinking, screen glare, and poor ergonomics, which dry out and irritate your eyes 1. If symptoms persist despite these interventions, consider consulting an eye care professional for personalized advice. It's also crucial to address any potentially exacerbating factors, such as air drafts, low-humidity environments, and certain medications, as recommended by the study 1.
Additionally, the study suggests that humidifying ambient air and avoiding air drafts by using side shields on spectacles and changing the characteristics of airflow at work, at home, and in the car may be helpful 1. By following these recommendations, you can reduce your eye discomfort and continue working on your computer without any issues.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses For the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun. May be used as a protectant against further irritation. Purpose Eye lubricant To continue working, you can use carboxymethylcellulose (OPHTH), an eye lubricant, to relieve burning and irritation caused by dryness of the eye due to long periods of screen time 2 2. This can help protect your eyes from further irritation and provide temporary relief.
From the Research
Symptoms and Causes
- The feeling of stinging eyes can be a symptom of dry eye disease (DED) 3, which is a common condition that can be caused by prolonged use of computers or other digital devices.
- DED can result in reduced quality of life, lower participation in social life, and impaired work efficiency 3.
Treatment Options
- Artificial tears are a common treatment for DED, and they can help to improve symptoms and signs of the condition 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Different types of artificial tears are available, including carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and hyaluronate (HA) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Studies have shown that CMC and HPMC are equally efficacious and safe in reducing symptoms of dry eye due to computer vision syndrome (CVS) 5.
- HA-based lubricants have also been shown to be effective in improving tear film parameters and reducing symptoms of DED 4.
Management and Prevention
- To continue working with stinging eyes, it may be helpful to take regular breaks to rest the eyes and use artificial tears as needed 5.
- Using a humidifier or adjusting the environment to reduce dryness may also be beneficial 7.
- It is also important to follow the recommended usage and dosage of artificial tears to avoid any potential side effects 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.