Screen Fatigue & Dry Eyes: How to Choose the Right Lubricating Eye Drops

simple steps and the right eye drops can help a lot. This guide shows how to pick the best eye drops for computer use and explains when you might need prescription medicine such as Vigamox 5 ml. 

Why screens make eyes dry

Looking at screens makes you blink less. Less blinking dries the surface of the eye. Tears evaporate faster. Eyes then feel sore, itchy, or blurry. This is called digital eye strain or dry eye. It is real and common. The National Eye Institute explains how tears protect the eye and how dry eye happens. 

Quick habits that help right now

These small habits reduce screen fatigue fast:

• Blink on purpose. Slow, full blinks keep the front of the eye wet.
• Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relaxes focus and reminds you to blink. 
• Place your screen slightly below eye level. This reduces how wide your eyes open, cutting tear loss. 
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms. Dry air makes tear evaporation worse. 

These habits are the first line of defense. If symptoms persist, eye drops can help.

Types of over-the-counter eye drops

There are several kinds of lubricating drops. Pick the one that fits how severe your symptoms are.

1. Artificial tears (basic lubrication)
   • Good for mild, occasional dryness.
   • Use as needed. Many are sold without preservatives. The NHS and prescribing guides suggest starting with simple lubricants for mild to moderate dry eye. 
2. More viscous drops / gels
   • Thicker. They last longer. Best for moderate dryness or night use.
   • Use at bedtime or when you need longer relief. 
3. Preservative-free single-use vials
   • Good if you use drops often (many times daily). Preservatives can irritate when used a lot. NHS guidance recommends preservative-free options for frequent use. 
4. Ointments
   • Very thick. Mainly for night use. They blur vision for a while, so not for day-time computer work.

How to choose the best eye drops for computer use

If your goal is comfort while working at a screen, you want fast relief and no stinging. Here’s how to choose the best eye drops for computer use:

• Pick preservative-free drops if you use drops more than 3 times a day. Preservatives can irritate with heavy use. 
• For quick relief during work, choose light artificial tears that spread easily and don’t blur vision.
• If your eyes need longer relief, use a gel or night ointment after work.
• Avoid drops that claim to “kill bacteria” unless your doctor says you have an infection. Most screen-related dryness is not caused by bacteria. 

You should look for the best eye drops for computer use. Try a few brands to find what feels best. Remember to test one product at a time for a few days.

When to see a doctor

Most people with dry eyes because of screens get better with behavior changes and lubricating drops. But see a doctor if you have:

• Severe redness or pain.
• Vision loss, flashing lights, or many floaters.
• Thick, colored eye discharge (not clear tears).
• Symptoms that do not improve after trying OTC drops for 1–2 weeks. 

If a doctor thinks you might have an infection, they might give you eye drops with antibiotics in them. These drugs help in treatment of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria and other infections. VIGAMOX (moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution) is a medicine that is often prescribed. The FDA label lists its active ingredient, concentration, and that it is prescription only. 

About Vigamox (and why it’s not a lubricating drop)

Vigamox 5 ml is an antibiotic eye solution (moxifloxacin 0.5%). It fights bacteria. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections, not ordinary dry eye from screens. If your doctor finds an infection, they may give you Vigamox 5 ml to clear it. Always follow your doctor’s directions. The FDA label states it is for bacterial infections and is available by prescription only. 

Do not use Vigamox as a substitute for lubricating drops. Using antibiotics without an infection can cause harm and breed resistance. Only use Vigamox when a clinician prescribes it.

A simple daily plan for screen users

Try this plan for steady relief:

• Every 20 minutes, blink and look away for 20 seconds. 
• Keep water nearby and sip often. Hydration helps tears.
• Use preservative-free artificial tears when you feel itchy or gritty. Aim for a brand that works for you. (Search “best eye drops for computer use” and compare ingredients.)
• At night, use a gel or ointment if your eyes feel dry in the morning.
• If you have a sticky discharge, pain, or blurred vision, get a medical check. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic such as Vigamox. 

Safety and storing eye drops

• Check expiry dates. Throw away single-use vials after opening.
• If a multi-use bottle irritates your eye, stop and try a preservative-free one.
• Don’t touch the tip of the bottle to your eye. Keep it clean.
• Store per label instructions. The FDA Vigamox label gives storage details for that product. 

Which brands to try (starting list)

I can’t pick one single “best” because eyes differ. But here are types to try:

• Preservative-free artificial tears — good first choice. (OTC) 
• Long-lasting gels — use at night or when you need extended relief. 
• Prescription antibiotics (like Vigamox) — only for bacterial infection, not for dry eye. See a doctor. 

Search for “best eye drops for computer use” and read labels. If the drop eases symptoms without stinging, it’s a keeper.

Final takeaways

• Start with simple habits: blink more, follow the 20-20-20 rule, set your screen lower, and use a humidifier. 
• For mild to moderate symptoms, choose preservative-free artificial tears. These are often the best eye drops for computer use. 

If you have signs of infection (thick discharge, severe redness or pain), seek medical care. A doctor may prescribe Vigamox 5 ml or another antibiotic. Never use antibiotics unless prescribed.