A RISING number of people are suffering with eye problems due to using screens too much.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology found that if you spend five hours a day looking at a screen, you have a 22 per cent chance of developing dry eye disease and risk eye strain, blurred vision, headaches and poor sleep.
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Jane Atkinson looks at ways to keep your peepers healthy . . .
SOFT GEL CAPSULES
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PROACTIVE from Wiley’s Finest are soft gel capsules that contain FloraGLO lutein – an organic pigment found in veg such as spinach, kale and yellow carrots – plus a powerful combination of ingredients for eye health.
As well as omega-7 from fish oil – which helps keep eyes lubricated – they also contain pigments called astaxanthin, which come from algae, and protect eyes from blue light and pollution.
They also feature bilberry, which strengthens circulation in the eye, while zinc cares for tissue health and protects night vision.
When I struggled with severe dry eyes, these truly helped improve my symptoms within two weeks. If you have eye issues these are definitely worth a go.
£39.50 for 60 soft gel capsules (one month’s supply) wileysfinest.co.uk.
MOISTURISING DROPS
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A VOGEL Moisturising Eye Drops for dry, irritated, tired eyes contain three key sustances.
There is hyaluronic acid which binds moisture to the eyes, restores a healthy tear film and keeps the surface of the eye hydrated.
Plus extract from a plant known as eyebright because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial wound-healing properties to give some relief when eyes are irritated, red or swollen.
And sodium chloride which mimics tears to take away any gritty feeling. These are good for a contact lense wearer like me, too.
You can use them up to five times a day and they have a clicker style dispenser so you know you’ve put the same amount in each eye.
£11.99 for 10ml which provides 300 drops avogel.co.uk.
ANTIBACTERIAL COMPRESS
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THE Eye Doctor Antibacterial Dry Eye Compress is definitely the most relaxing of the three.
Dry eye can lead to the oil in the meibomian glands within the eyelids becoming blocked. If they are, you can get painful cysts on the eyelids.
A hot compress can soften and loosen any blocked oil. I put this mask in the microwave for 30 seconds, then put it on my eyes for ten minutes.
It comes with wipes containing tea tree oil to use afterwards to clear away any oil, make-up or debris.
This compress is perfect to deal with problems, for relaxation and as a preventative measure. I love that it is also good for headaches and migraines.
£10 for one reusable eye mask, two eyelids wipes and storage bag. See the-body-doctor.com.