Did you know that the average person spends about 7 hours a day looking at screens? Whether it’s for work, social media, or entertainment, prolonged screen time can have a significant impact on your eyes. The glare and reflections from computers, smartphones, and tablets can reduce your blink rate by up to 60%. When we focus intensely on screens, we tend to blink less, which can lead to dry eye syndrome and other discomforts.
If you’ve been experiencing eye dryness symptoms such as red, irritated, or stinging eyes, it might be time to incorporate some simple exercises to protect your eyes and reduce the discomfort.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms like:
- Red, dry, or irritated eyes
- Blurred vision
- Painful or stinging eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Mucus around the eyes
Blinking exercises can help alleviate these symptoms by ensuring your eyes stay lubricated throughout the day, especially during extended screen time.
Blinking Exercises for Dry Eyes
Blinking exercises are easy to do and can be seamlessly added to your daily routine. Try doing these exercises a few times an hour to keep your eyes refreshed and reduce dryness.
1. Close-Pause-Pause-Open-Relax
- Without squeezing, gently close your eyes.
- Pause and keep your eyes closed for 2 seconds.
- Gently open your eyes and relax them.
- Repeat 5 times.
2. Close-Pause-Pause-Squeeze-Open-Relax
- Without squeezing, gently close your eyes.
- Pause and keep your eyes closed for 2 seconds.
- While keeping your eyes closed, gently squeeze your eyelids together.
- Gently open your eyes and relax them.
- Repeat 5 times.
The Importance of Fully Blinking
It’s not just about blinking—it’s about fully blinking to ensure your eyes get the proper lubrication. If you’re only partially blinking, your eyes may not be fully refreshed, which can make dry eye symptoms worse.
To check if you’re fully blinking, look in the mirror. If your eyes feel dry, look red, or if you see a horizontal stripe of red blood vessels across your eyes, it’s a sign that you might be partially blinking.
When to See an Eye Optometrist for Dry Eye Syndrome
If you’ve been doing blinking exercises but are still experiencing discomfort, it might be time to visit an eye optometrist for a more thorough evaluation. Persistent eye irritation can indicate dry eye syndrome, which requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
At Eyeson Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome with personalized treatment options that can provide long-lasting relief.
How We Can Help
If you’re struggling with eye dryness symptoms or eye irritation, we can help. Our eye doctors are experts in diagnosing the root cause of your discomfort and providing effective treatments for dry eye syndrome.
Contact us at Eyes on Group today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and get the relief you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Nicholas Feucht
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. It’s caused by various factors, including medical conditions, certain medications, allergies, and environmental irritants.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
Symptoms of dry eyes include irritation, a gritty or scratchy feeling, burning sensations, blurred vision, excessive tearing, or the sensation of something being stuck in your eye.