How to Fix Dry Eyes from Screen Time
12/9/2025
Do your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or tired after a long day at the computer? You're not alone. "Digital Eye Strain" is a real condition, and one of its most common symptoms is dry eyes.
Why Screens Dry Out Your Eyes
The culprit isn't just the light from the screen; it's how we behave in front of it. Normally, humans blink about 15-20 times per minute. However, studies show that when we focus on digital screens, that rate drops to as low as 5-7 times per minute.
Blinking is essential. It spreads a fresh layer of tears across the cornea, keeping it moist and oxygenated. When you stop blinking, that moisture evaporates, leaving your eyes exposed and irritated.
How to Fix It: Actionable Tips
1. The 20-20-20 Rule
This is the gold standard for digital eye care.
- Every 20 minutes, take a break.
- Look at something 20 feet away.
- Hold your focus for 20 seconds.
This relaxes the focusing muscle inside the eye and gives you a conscious moment to blink.
2. Conscious Blinking
Since your body forgets to blink automatically, you need to remind it. Try this simple exercise:
- Close your eyes gently.
- Pause for 2 seconds.
- Squeeze your eyelids shut tight.
- Open them.
Repeat this 5 times whenever you feel dryness creeping in. The Keep an Eye app features a dedicated "Haptic Blinking" guide that uses gentle phone vibrations to pace your blinks perfectly.
3. Adjust Your Environment
- Position your screen: It should be slightly below eye level. Looking up exposes more surface area of the eye to air, causing faster evaporation.
- Humidify: AC and heating can dry out the air. A desktop humidifier can work wonders.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Your tears need raw materials!
Conclusion
Dry eyes don't have to be the price of productivity. By building small habits like the 20-20-20 rule and conscious blinking, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.