Dry, tired eyes from screens? A simple guide to eye nutrients

News in the morning, a computer all day and your phone at night: by evening your eyes are sore, dry, a little blurry, and you may even have a headache. This "digital eye strain" is no longer just a young person’s problem; it is increasingly common in older adults too.

Why do screens make eyes dry and tired?

• You blink less: when focusing on a screen you blink far less, tears evaporate faster and your eyes dry out.
• Constant close focus: the focusing muscles stay tense for hours, like holding a heavy bag without a break.
• Age: tear production falls after 40, especially for women after menopause.
• Your surroundings: dry air-conditioned rooms, fans blowing on your face, dim rooms or very bright screens.

Simple habits that help

1. The 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 6 metres (20 feet) away for 20 seconds.
2. Blink on purpose, or close your eyes for a minute.
3. Place the screen slightly below eye level, about an arm’s length away, with brightness close to the room’s.
4. Keep a glass of water or a humidifier in air-conditioned rooms, and do not let fans blow at your face.
5. For noticeable dryness, try preservative-free artificial tears (ask your pharmacist).
6. Use your phone less before bed, which helps your sleep too.

What do eye nutrients do?

• Beta-carotene / vitamin A: needed by the retina to sense light and see in dim conditions. Sources: carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, dark greens.
• Astaxanthin: a strong natural antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from free-radical stress and eases tiredness. Sources: salmon, prawns, algae.
• Vitamin C: an antioxidant that helps protect eye tissue. Sources: guava, oranges, acerola cherry.
• Berry anthocyanins: antioxidants that support tiny blood vessels in the eye. Sources: blueberries, blackcurrants.
• Omega-3: supports tear quality and helps dry eyes. Sources: fish, flaxseed.

A balanced diet comes first. If you rarely eat fruit, vegetables and fish, a supplement can help fill the gap.

When to see a doctor

See an eye doctor or optometrist if your eyes are very painful, red, sensitive to light or have discharge, your vision drops suddenly, or dryness has not improved after a few weeks of artificial tears.

Everyday eye care

Gesund Pro contains astaxanthin, beta-carotene, mixed berries, pumpkin seed, HERBOSOMAL® patented vitamin C and acerola, plus the patented DigeZyme® enzymes to support absorption. It helps ease tired, dry eyes and reduce free-radical damage, for people who spend long hours on screens. It is a health supplement and does not replace eye checks or treatment.