Mumsnet users share their experience of using screens during lockdown with Optrex

[JustineBMumsnet]

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For many of us, screen time has increased during lockdown: whether that’s for work, taking part in virtual pub quizzes or keeping in touch with family and friends via video calls. But, it’s something that can play havoc with eye health, particularly if you’re a glasses wearer or suffer from dry eyes regularly. With that in mind, Optrex would like to hear about your experience of using screens during lockdown and how it’s affected you - especially if your eyes have been impacted.

Here’s what Optrex has to say: “Over the last few months we’ve all seen our routines change dramatically, which can have an impact on our bodies and health. We often forget about the health of our eyes, but when they become uncomfortable, they can be hard to ignore. Technology has enabled many of us to work from home, stay entertained, informed and connected with loved ones. However, looking at screens can reduce our rate of blinking and lead to dry and tired eyes, which can feel uncomfortable and irritated. We would love to understand any effect that the lockdown period has had on your eyes and whether you have been taking steps to protect or treat them.”

What has your experience with screens been during lockdown and how has it impacted you? Have you experienced eye strain or dry eyes? If so, how have you attempted to reduce the irritation or pain? Are there any other ways extra screen time has affected your health or wellbeing?

Whatever your experience of screen use during lockdown, share how it has affected you below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

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[MrMagooInTheLoo]

Been using Optrex Acti Mist 2 in 1 dry eye as I've got dry itchy eyes. Can't bear eyedrops or eye washes. Spray the solution onto closed eyelid and let it do its job. Brilliant. Itchy eyes feel better after 3rd use. Brilliant

[voyager50]

Thankfully my eyes are doing ok as far as I know but I have had a few more headaches than normal from sitting in front of a computer more than I normally would.

[BristolMum96]

Definitely getting more dry eyes. Struggling to wear my contact lenses as my eyes are sore, having to wear glasses instead which I hate

[PashleyB]

I am definitely noticing the effects of using a screen more for work. I am trying to do more via regular phone calls rather than Teams, and wearing my contacts less as well.

[agnapoop]

My eyes seem dryer and i've been having more headaches during lockdown. I'm definitely using a screen more.

[starlight36]

My eyes are definitely irritated and I've had a few headaches when I din't normally get them. I hadn't connected this with increased screen use until now. I should try to take more screen breaks - funny how office life with all of its interruptions probably makes you take more screen breaks than when you are working at home.

[TheCatServant]

I am finding I absolutely have to wear my glasses now when I use the computer. My eyes are definitely worse if I am tired

[NudgeUnit]

My screen time has been about the same as it normally is, but I do notice that I absolutely need to use my reading glasses lately. Whereas I could get away with it for a brief period, I really can't see a thing without the right ones on anymore. My partner has a particular prescription just for screen use and swears by it. It's really worth getting your eyes checked regularly even if you think they're fine, but it's been hard during lockdown with opticians closed.

[Sugarhouse]

I find I get headaches if I look at screens to long. I also try to lower the brightness of my screen at night

[WashYourFins]

I struggle where I'm working from screens and have a light above me, it strains my eyes and can trigger migraines. It's tough working from home as I don't have many options where to sit where my eyes don't feel strained.

[Sleepybumble]

My usual job is very physical but as I'm shielding my employer has redeployed me and I'm doing an admin role from home so Infront of a screen alot more than I usually would be. I'm not used to this at all and my eyes are tired and dry all the time

[gemima27]

Working from home my setup isn't perfect as I am on the dining table to enable supervision of my girls doing their school work too.
I have a lot of reflections on the screen and I have really struggled with my eyes feeling tired and blurry.

[Mummymummums]

I am probably using screens a similar amount to usual, with the odd Skype or Zoom extra. My eyes feel ok but I have been told in the past that I have dry eyes and don't blink fully.

[HaloeVera]

Far too much screen time now I have to work from home and am rushing to get as much done as I can. They do feel dry. I try to rest them every now and again.

[Ashhead24]

I left my glasses in work before lockdown which was a mistake. Am missing them and definitely feeling eye strain.

[Cotswoldmama]

I feel like I'm looking at a screen all day! It's hard not to! I'm trying to homeschool so can't do anything that takes to much attention away from that like reading or crocheting ( which I'd rather be doing!) so I find myself scrolling through my phone all the time. I really need to go cold turkey and stop. My eyes generally feel ok but they can feel heavy and tired at night especially if I'm looking at a screen before bed.

[LockdownLou]

Mine are dry and gritty.
My blepharitis has also flared up, plus the pollen is really affecting them. I’m also allergic to preservatives so I have been using optrex preservative free but can get quite expensive because I need to use them so regularly.

[InAGarden]

Since lockdown I have been working on my iPad significantly more, creating documents , having meetings and doing emails. This has begun to worry me, I have noticed that my eyes have seemed, dry and quite sore and I have wondered about the discomfort I feel. It hadn’t really occurred to me what I could do to make them feel better. This has made me think maybe I should use something to help with the irritation and would appreciate some advice.

[ChimpsInClothes]

I saw my optician four days before lockdown and they couldn't see anything to be concerned about but I had sore eyes that felt hot. Not a sensation I've ever had before, I did put it down to too much screen time. For the first couple of weeks of March I was obsessively checking the news, literally waking in the night and looking at my phone.

I've stopped wearing my contact lenses, use an eye mist spray, and try to be sensible about screen time.

[NeverTwerkNaked]

I have a condition that gives me dry eyes anyway so I am really struggling. I am probably getting through at least double the amount of eyedrops

My work is normally 50/50 screen and meetings but now it is all on the screen.

[Asuwere]

I think my screen use has been about the same in lockdown as usual. I did a training type course at uni many years ago about working with screens so it's habit to regularly look away from screen, have the right brightness settings etc and so far never had any eye problems. :)

[Quietvoiceplease]

Am spending so long in front of a screen each day, and recognise it is unhealthy but work is very demanding. I do suffer with tired eyes more (I rely on my glasses more). They are also drier than usual. I try to alter the distance of my vision at regular intervals, but can often realise hours have gone by without doing anything but looking or talking into a screen. I am not using anything at present to help with my eye strain, but think I ought.

[ButterflyOfFreedom]

I find I get headaches if I look at a screen for too long and my eyes go red & feel sore. I try to limit time on my phone or laptop because of this and take regular breaks but it's not always easy.
I tend to wear glasses for driving and watching tv but maybe I should wear them more...

[ScorpionQueen]

I'm using my laptop about the same amount. The children are watching more TV and using screens to chat to friends but in the current situation it's not excessive.
I am checking my phone more, probably to fill the social void.

[shampoofarrow]

Lkooi iiiioooooo