From desk-to-dinner hydration hacks to smart eye drops, here’s how to keep your vision sharp and stylish in a screen-heavy world.
Screens rule our lives. Whether it’s Netflix marathons or TikTok scrolls, our poor eyes barely get a break. Digital eye strain is real, and it’s high time we showed our peepers some love. But what really works to relieve it? Instead of recycling generic advice, we spoke directly with trusted eye health professionals – Dr Jason Lee and Dr Jayant V Iyer, Senior Consultants and Medical Directors at The Straits Eye Centre, Camden Medical Centre – to uncover practical, science-backed ways to care for your eyes in the digital age.
From the type of eye drops ophthalmologists actually use, to small habit tweaks that make a real difference, here’s your no-fuss guide to keeping your eyes bright and comfy.
Six smart ways to soothe screen-tired eyes
1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule (seriously!)
In a perfect world, we’d all take eye breaks every 20 minutes. But most of us are glued to screens for eight to 10 hours a day. The real problem? Not the screen time per se, but the lack of breaks. Dryness, blurred vision, and trouble focusing are red flags that it’s time to switch up your habits.
Pro tip: try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, I take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet (around six metres) away and wow, it really makes a difference. Total game-changer for easing eye strain and keeping my peepers happy.
2. Drink up, buttercup
First up: hydrate! Not just with water (though yes, drink up), but with conscious blinking – something we weirdly forget to do when we’re zoned in on a screen. As someone with recurrent corneal erosion (a painful condition where the surface of your eye doesn’t heal properly and is triggered by dry eyes), I can definitely attest to this. You don’t want your eyes drying out – it hurts like hell. Staying hydrated also helps keep your tear film (your eye’s natural protective layer) healthy and intact.
3. Use eye drops that don’t mess with your eyes
Not all eye drops are created equal, especially if dry, irritated eyes are a daily struggle. The best ones pack hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and delivers instant soothing relief, and carmellose, a clever ingredient that mimics natural tears to form a protective shield over your eyes.
If you’re using drops on the regular, go preservative- and phosphate-free. Preservatives can cause irritation over time (especially post-Lasik or if your eyes are extra sensitive), as well as phosphates. They can build up and harm the cornea – not ideal for already delicate peepers.
That’s where Evolve Eye Drops shine. They’re preservative- and phosphate-free, ultra-soothing, and formulated to support your tear film for long-lasting comfort and clarity. Plus, the multi-dose bottle design beats single-use vials on every front. It’s more cost-effective, less wasteful, easier to use on the go, and stays sterile with proper care. Oh, and the formula can also last up to 90 days compared to a month for other multi-dose eye drop contemporaries.
Choose the right formula for your needs: go with Evolve Quick Relief for mild to moderate dry eyes, or opt for Evolve Dry Eye Max if your symptoms are on the moderate to severe side. You can easily find these eye drops at retail pharmacies such as Guardian, Unity and Watsons, as well as hospital retail pharmacies, select clinics island-wide or online via Lazada and Shopee.
4. Eat your way to healthier eyes
Your diet matters. Some nutrients are especially beneficial for eye health, including omega-3s (from fish, flaxseed, and walnuts) that are great for tear production; vitamins A, C, and E (from carrots, citrus, and nuts) to help fight oxidative stress; and lutein and zeaxanthin (from leafy greens) for retina health.
5. Are blue light glasses worth it?
Blue light glasses get a lot of hype. While they might reduce glare and even improve sleep quality, their actual benefits for eye health are still debatable. I used an anti-blue light screen protector on my laptop for years and honestly didn’t notice a huge difference. What did help? Setting up my screen ergonomically – think a bigger display or keeping a healthy distance from your device – and taking regular screen breaks. Set reminders or use time limits to force yourself to step away. Old-school tip, but it works like a charm.
6. Create a spa day for your eyes
Give your eyes the TLC they deserve. Start with a warm compress to relax strained muscles and boost circulation. I use a USB-heated eye mask; it’s like a spa sesh for tired eyes. Throughout the day, keep those preservative-free eye drops handy (dry eye girlies, you know the drill). Then wind down with a gentle eyelid massage and a cleansing foam to clear debris and support tear quality. And don’t skimp on sleep, your eyes need beauty rest just as much as your skin does.
When to call in the pros
Still struggling despite all the TLC? Persistent dryness, blurred vision, redness, headaches, or trouble focusing are signs that it’s time to see an eye care professional. Don’t wait it out; early intervention is key to keeping your vision sharp and healthy.
Your eyes deserve the best, so treat them right with smart habits, nourishing food, and a bottle of eye drops in your bag or pocket for instant relief whenever screen fatigue strikes.
This post is in partnership with Evolve Eye Drops.
