What are the causes of dry, tired and irritated eyes – especially when working at a screen?
Dry, tired, or irritated eyes are often a result of our modern lifestyle. One of the most common causes is prolonged screen time: People who stare at a monitor, tablet, or smartphone for hours blink significantly less often – tear fluid evaporates faster , and the surface of the eyes dries out.
A lack of visual variety also plays a role. If you don't look away from the screen for extended periods, you permanently strain your eye muscles and experience visual fatigue .
Another factor is age .
For example, tear production can decrease with age . This makes the eyes more sensitive to stimuli such as drafts, screen light, or dry indoor air. Women are also affected by hormonal changes during menopause . Declining estrogen (the female sex hormone) can impair the stability of the tear film, making the eyes drier and more sensitive.
In addition, many people with allergies (e.g. , to pollen or house dust) experience increased irritated or itchy eyes . In such cases, the surface of the eye is already damaged and more vulnerable to environmental influences. Â
Persistent symptoms should not be ignored – a combination of eye care , breaks and targeted nutrient supply can help to alleviate symptoms in the long term. Â
What really helps with tired, dry or irritated eyes?
Digital devices accompany us every day – often for hours at a time. Whether at work, at home, while studying, or gaming: our eyes are constantly under pressure. Typical consequences include tired eyes, dryness , burning, or a feeling of pressure behind the forehead.
It is recommended to regularly look into the distance, blink consciously, and take breaks. Targeted nutrient intake can also help: Vitamins such as A , B2 , and C contribute to maintaining vision, cell protection, and vascular structure —important prerequisites for long, relaxed vision.
For whom is supplementary nutrient intake particularly useful?
A targeted supply of vitamins and antioxidant plant substances is particularly useful for people with high digital load – for example in the office, in the home office, while studying , or with high levels of exposure in the home environment . People who frequently suffer from dry indoor air , air conditioning, or heating can also benefit. Â
Also Eating habits play a role: Those who eat an unbalanced diet or eat little fresh fruit and vegetables can develop deficiencies in nutrients relevant to the eyes, such as vitamins A, B2 or C.Â
Allergy sufferers , people with increasing age, women in menopause or with increased sensitivity of the ocular surface also have an increased need for protection and stabilization of the tear film. Â
In such cases, a balanced combination of eye vitamins and antioxidant plant substances from berry extracts can be useful in order to strengthen cell protection mechanisms , reduce oxidative stress and support natural eye function – especially in everyday digital life. Â
Which vitamins particularly support the eyes?
Vitamin A is crucial for retinal function, especially for vision at dusk. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) protects cells from oxidative stress and supports the mucous membranes—including the delicate conjunctiva of the eye.
Vitamin C is important for collagen formation and the function of blood vessels and also has antioxidant effects. Especially the combination of vitamins A and B2 is to maintain normal visual function important and is supplemented by vitamin C – especially in dry air or intensive screen use. Â
How do polyphenols and anthocyanins from berry extracts affect the eyes?
B Berries such as the maqui berry and the aronia berry are among the most potent natural sources of secondary plant substances. They contain anthocyanins ( e.g. Delphinidin in the maquillaje berry ) and polyphenols have antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from oxidative stress – including those on the surface of the eye.Â
Studies show that certain berry extracts can stabilize tear fluid and improve eye moisture – an exciting approach for anyone who regularly suffers from dry eyes .
What scientific studies are there on MaquiBright® for dry eyes?
There is a A clinically validated study of MaquiBright® investigating its effectiveness in treating dry and tired eyes . In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Âą, daily intake of 60 mg of MaquiBright® was tested for four weeks.Â
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The results showed a significant improvement in tear production as well as relief from typical symptoms such as dry eyes, burning eyes and visual fatigue – especially in people with high screen exposure or dry indoor air.Â
The study was published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine and confirms the targeted effectiveness of maqui berry extract in treating digitally induced eye problems . Â
Source: ¹ Yamashita S. et al., 2019, Effects of MaquiBright ® on improving eye dryness and fatigue in humans , J Tradit Complement Med. 9(3):172–178, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31193920/ Study on PubMed
Why does the brain also play a role in eye strain?
Vision is more than just a function of the eyes—it's a collaborative effort with the brain. Information from the retina is processed and evaluated in the visual cortex. Prolonged exposure to this strain can lead not only to visual fatigue, but also to concentration problems or what's known as "digital brain fog . "Â
Targeted support with nutrients such as pantothenic acid (for mental performance) or iron (for cognitive function and oxygen transport) can therefore be useful – especially for people who work a lot with digital media .
Why is aronia berry extract (BRAINBERRY®) useful in an eye product? What does science say?
BRAINBERRY® is a standardized branded raw material from the aronia berry (Aronia melanocarpa ) with a high content of 35% polyphenols – natural antioxidants that can specifically protect against oxidative stress.Â
A recent review study² from 2022 highlights that polyphenols and anthocyanins from aronia not only support brain cells but also visual processes – for example, during intensive screen work. Â
About it beyond give preclinical data indicate a​ positive Influence on neuronal Activity , vascular function and anti-inflammatory Processes .Â
BRAINBERRY® complements classic​ Eye vitamins to herbal Component that improves vision and mental Performance holistic connects . More eye comfort and mental Clarity . Â
Source 2: Ren Y. et al., Potential Benefits of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa ) Fruits and Their Constituents in Improving Human Health , Molecules. 2022 Nov 13;27(22):7823 , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36431924/ Study on PubMed
What can I do in everyday life to keep my eyes healthy?
Many people spend several hours a day in front of screens – whether at work, while studying, or during leisure time. Simple everyday behavioral changes can help prevent tired, dry, or strained eyes . Â
Regular blinking is especially important : It distributes tears evenly over the surface of the eye and keeps it moist. This reflex is often unconsciously suppressed in front of a screen, which promotes dehydration. The so-called 20-20-20 rule can also be helpful: Every 20 minutes, look at an object about 20 feet (six meters) away for 20 seconds. This relaxes the ciliary muscle and specifically relieves strain on your eyes. Â
Additionally, ensure good lighting to avoid glare and contrast overload. Ideally, the screen should be positioned slightly below eye level, so your gaze remains slightly lowered. This reduces the eyelid gap, reduces tear evaporation, and keeps the surface of the eye better hydrated. Â
Short, conscious breaks in which you close your eyes or deliberately look into the distance often have an immediate relaxing effect – especially when working intensively in front of a screen. Â
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In acute phases, such as intensive screen work, artificial tears – so-called tear substitutes – can help to provide short-term relief for dry and irritated eyes. Â
Even in the case of allergic eye irritation – for example, caused by pollen or house dust – artificial tears can provide quick relief in acute situations by soothing and moistening the surface of the eye. Â