Dry, sore and tired eyes

clylbw

Due to my job, I use the computer 10 to 12 hours per day, and my eyes often feel dry, sore and tired.

I use eye-drops to solve the problem. However, some reports say eye-drops can be bad to the eye because of the chemicals inside which keep the eye-drops fresh.

Is this true? If yes, what may I use to sooth dry, sore eyes?

According to those reports, applying artificial tears is a recommended treatment. If this is correct, where may I buy them? I have checked online; apparently they are only available in American shops.

Many thanks in advance

clylbw

Sorry, I am new to the place and did not know about the health forum.

I will watch out next time.

Number_6_3

Do you use glasses or contacts?

The one I always found good was optrex...not for use with contact a bit about it here

Not something I used to use a lot but helped every so often after a long night shift.

R

Nile

Hello clylbw

Welcome to the MSE site.

Sorry to hear about your sore eyes problem. I was wondering, in your long shifts at work..........do you take regular breaks from staring at the pc screen? I believe that the recommendation is to have a break every 20 minutes and you should look out of a window or focus on something in the distance.

Your natural blink rate can also be affected by staring at the pc screen so regular breaks should help with that too.

I would suggest that you see your doctor for good advice. He/she will be able to prescribe more effective treatment than 'over the counter' products like Optrex.

I hope that helps.

clylbw

Many thanks.

I only wear glasses, and Optrex is my normal choice for eye soothing. However, I get a bit worried after reading those reports and wonder whether Optrex has those problematic preservatives.

I take breaks from time to time, but one every 20 minitues is less possible. I have considered visiting my GP, but to do that just seems to make a big deal out of little...

Nile

clylbw wrote:

Many thanks.

I only wear glasses, and Optrex is my normal choice for eye soothing. However, I get a bit worried after reading those reports and wonder whether Optrex has those problematic preservatives.

I take breaks from time to time, but one every 20 minitues is less possible. I have considered visiting my GP, but to do that just seems to make a big deal out of little...

The break doesn't have to mean leaving your work station/desk. All you have to remember to do is to turn away from the screen and look at something in the distance.:D You could use the moment to blink a few times too.

clylbw

Thanks indeed, Nile.

Forgot to mentioned, the problematic preservative is benzalkonium hexachloride or benzalkonium chloride. Just checked Optrex's website, but could not get any information about product ingredients there. I am going to check its package for more details tomorrow.

shokadelika

clylbw wrote:

Due to my job, I use the computer 10 to 12 hours per day, and my eyes often feel dry, sore and tired.

I use eye-drops to solve the problem. However, some reports say eye-drops can be bad to the eye because of the chemicals inside which keep the eye-drops fresh.

Is this true? If yes, what may I use to sooth dry, sore eyes?

According to those reports, applying artificial tears is a recommended treatment. If this is correct, where may I buy them? I have checked online; apparently they are only available in American shops.

Many thanks in advance

Make sure you are getting enough vitamins A and D (cod liver oil!) and eat lots of dark berries buleberries blackberries elderberries rasperries etc these dark pigments help protect your eye health by lots iI mean about 1 tablespoon a day or so.The yey drops you use use common allergens snd these preservatives are also found in hair conditioners mouthwashes etc.Your eyes do not need these "preservatives" sea salt and cooled boiled water woul work just as good if not better.

Nile

clylbw wrote:

Thanks indeed, Nile.

Forgot to mentioned, the problematic preservative is benzalkonium hexachloride or benzalkonium chloride. Just checked Optrex's website, but could not get any information about product ingredients there. I am going to check its package for more details tomorrow.

The Optrex Sore Eyes lists..........Also contains Purified Water, Boric Acid, Glycerin, Borax and Benzalkonium Chloride.;)

Another product, Hypromellose Eye Drops (Hypromellose 0.3w/v) lists.............the same as above plus Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride. It states that products containing Benzalkonium Chloride should not be used if soft contact lenses are being worn.

Do you wear soft contact lenses? Could this be adding to your problem?

Number_6_3

The aircon in the modern office often contributes to health problems. Colds etc, dry eyes.

If you wear contacts try wearing glasses for a few weeks and see if it helps the problem.

I assume you get regularly checked at a optician? If not do so, discuss the problem.

I find drinking lots of water helps. Also keeps you away from the screen to go get it and go to toilet ;-)

Do you use a flat screen or old crt? Have you been set up your workstation properly. Some of the larger firms take people through this as standard others don't. Poor lighting, etc can all contribute. type health and safety setting up a workstation into google for a few links about the subject.

R

clylbw

So many thanks to you all for all the help.

No, I do not use contacts, so no problem in that part. But I am going to check the setting and positioning of my computer.

Just got the 'Healthy Eye' supplements with large amounts of Vitamins A & D from ASDA; hopefully they will prove useful.

Looks like I need to ditch Optrex. I found this: Rohto Zi Super Moisturiser. It is contact lens friendly with the following contents:

Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,
glucose,
sodium and potassium chlorides(???),
borate buffer,
polysorbate 80,
poloxamer 407,
disodium edetate,
potassium sorbate,
purified water,
and pH adjusters.

Any medical people here? If so, can you please advice me whether this Rohto Zi Super Moisturiser is free from the problematic preservative benzalkonium hexachloride or benzalkonium chloride ? Thanks indeed.

BTW, now I know I would never have made it if I had chosen to learn medicine at college. I would have died before being able to remember 'Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose'. :rotfl: :rotfl: