Best eye drops to treat dry eyes, according to an expert

Tired, hot and sore: do these sound like your eyes after a long day in front of the computer?

Call it a symptom of 21st century life, but cases of dry eyes are on the up, exacerbated by long spells in front of a screen, be it a computer, your handset or in front of the box all weekend.

Most people blink around 15 times a minute, but if you’re staring at one spot for a prolonged period, your blink rate grinds to a halt, leaving the ocular surface exposed. If this happens over a long time, it can lead to a condition called - you guessed it - dry eyes.

According to the NHS, you’re more likely to develop dry eyes if you’re a contact lens-wearer, are exposed to air-con or central heating for extended periods, or spend your working day staring at a screen without giving your eyes a proper break - so don’t skip that tea break.

Boots Opticians warns that while complications from dry eye are rare, they could include conjunctivitis, keratitis or ulcers.

With contact lens-wearers among those most