Dry eyes and screens: practical relief and warning signs

Grittiness and itching can accompany dry eyes, and excessive watering does not rule them out. Long screen sessions without breaks and dry air can contribute, but symptoms alone cannot identify the cause.

Take regular screen breaks and position the screen slightly below eye level. Glasses can give contact-lens wearers a break; ask a pharmacist about lubrication. Do not stop prescribed medicine because you suspect a connection.

A painful red eye, especially with contact lenses, needs urgent assessment. Vision loss, new visual changes or pain on looking at light require emergency care rather than assuming simple dryness.