Novel eye drops may help with screen related eye dryness, irritation

USA: A new lubricant eye drop known as Refresh Digital lubricant launched by the pharmaceutical company Allergan may help to relieve mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness and irritation that may occur from prolonged screen time.

"The relationship between digital technology and eye health is complex," said optometrist Dr. Selina McGee, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. "We typically blink our eyes once every three to four seconds, or approximately 20 times per minute. This provides the eye with the moisture it needs to function comfortably. When looking at screens for prolonged periods of time, we tend to blink less completely, and our blink rate is often cut in half. This causes eyes to miss out on the much-needed hydration from natural tears, which then leads to eye dryness, burning, irritation, or discomfort."

Refresh Digital is a new lubricant eye drop formulated to specifically relieve dryness and irritation that may occur from prolonged screen time. A scientific advancement, Refresh Digital features proprietary HydroCell technology that supports all three layers of the tear film to keep eyes hydrated. 

We often use multiple screens simultaneously during our daily routine, and many people just cope with eye discomfort associated with extended screen time," said Dr. McGee. "However, I tell my patients that when it comes to their eyes, they should not settle. Refresh Digital offers a way for them to quickly relieve dry, irritated eyes from screen time."

In addition to using Refresh Digital lubricant eye drops, Dr. McGee notes that the 20-20-20 rule can also help reduce the effects of digital screen time on eyes: for every 20 minutes of screen time look away at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Refresh Digital is available in both a convenient multidose bottle and preservative-free, single-use vials online and at retail locations nationwide where over-the-counter eye drops are sold.

About Refresh

With over 30 years' experience, Refresh has dedicated decades of research to eye health and offers a full line of lubricant eye drops, ointments and gel drops for use daytime, nighttime and anytime in between.