If you are noticing that your eyes are feeling unusually tired, or dry and you are spending a lot of time at a computer screen and other devices, then you could well be suffering from eye strain.

It may be time to give your hard-working eyes some care and attention and finding ways to give them a rest.

During this lockdown with lots of online learning, I have noticed that my childrens’ eyes are looking more tired than usual, and I have also noticed how the increase in screen time has affected my eyes. As I was thinking about the damaging effect the screens could have on our eyes, it was recommended blue light filter glasses, which I will trial, although I have read mixed reports.

It has also been reported that excessive screen time isn’t just affecting your eyeballs, but is doing damage to the entire eye area as it speeds up the signs of ageing due to the collagen-degrading potential of the blue high energy visible (or HEV) light that emanates from digital screens.

Digital eyestrain can be caused by over worked muscles that help the eyes to focus. It is reported that the eyes don’t blink as often when looking at our digital devices . This can often lead to dry eyes.

Eye strain can also lead to headaches and can affect our vision. Excess screen time won’t help you to get a good night’s sleep, and is not great for your children either – the mix of blue light and the stimulation of a video game, will make dropping off to sleep difficult.

Here are some ways to minimise eyestrain and the effects of ageing:

• Make sure you visit your optician for regular eye examinations. Talk through any concerns that you may have.

• Limit your screen time. When you can just give your eyes a rest and do a different task. Have regular breaks from your screen.

• When on your digital device remember to blink. Sounds basic I know, but as I said earlier, we tend not to blink enough when we are on our computers and phones and stare at the screen for too long. When we blink, we are coating our corneas with moisture. This helps to protect the eyes.

• Invest in good lighting and lower the intensity on your screens, not only will your eyes feel more comfortable, but this will also encourage you to blink more.

• Encourage the whole family to monitor their screen time. It can be difficult to pull the children away from their digital devices. Try and distract young children with another game or interesting tasks. Particularly in lockdown, a walk in the fresh air will lift everybody’s moods whilst giving hard working eyes a rest.

• If you suffer with dry eyes, treat them to some eyedrops. Opt for irritant free drops that you can use on a regular basis. Ask your optician to recommend a suitable product .I use drops a lot when I am suffering from hay - fever or if my eyes feel generally tired.

• Make sure that your work station is at the right height and that it is comfortable and at the right height so that you can see easily and that you aren’t compromising your posture. Neck strain can also cause headaches.

• At the end of a long day treat your eyes your eyes to a warm compress on the eyes. You can buy eye compresses from the pharmacy such as boots. In the summer I clean around my eyes with warm, damp cotton wool and then apply a cool soothing compress. Your eyes feel cool and refreshed afterwards.

• If you have any problems with your eyes or suspect that you have an eye infection, seek help and advice from a professional, don’t leave it.

OK so we have talked about the eyestrain caused by the blue light emitting from our digital devices, but what about the ageing effects of this?

We know that the UV light from the sun can accelerate the ageing of our skin, but many of us forget the impact that blue light from our digital devises can have. It has been reported that exposure to the blue light can effect the skins natural cardiac rhythm, which can impact the night time repair process, this can lead to visible signs of ageing and dark circles under the eyes.

Top Tips

• Cover your tech with a blue light shield, or if you have the function on your devise, disable the blue light and change it to yellow.

• Wear sunscreen! Use products with a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide. This ingredient is reported to protect against the damaging effects of blue light.

• Choose products that are enriched with antioxidants. Make sure you use repairing products for you night time routine.

• Remove all make up and cleanse thoroughly before retiring to bed. This will keep the skin bright and leaving mascara on at bed time will not be good for your lashes or skin around the delicate eye area.

• Wear a good eye cream. If a cream is too rich, opt for a serum. I love the Caudalie eye cream as you can apply to the eyelids unlike a lot of eye products.

• Treat your eyes to an anti-ageing eye mask. Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks are a lovely treat for the skin under the eyes. They come in sachets and in the summer, I keep mine in the fridge so that they feel really soothing when applied.

In summary, whilst the necessity of using digital technology in your daily life is non-negotiable, do try as much as possible to take regular breaks from them. Your eyes and skin will thank you for it!