Office eye syndrome is increasing in Germany: How contact lens wearers can deal with it

A study by the health insurance company Barmer shows that around 21 million working people in Germany spend a lot of time in front of screens – both at work and in their free time.

The combination of prolonged screen use, reduced blinking and the often warm, dry office air leads to a condition known as office eye syndrome.

The syndrome, which affects an estimated eight million Germans, is characterized by eye pain, burning, redness, irritation and dryness.

For the approximately four million Germans who regularly wear contact lenses, these symptoms can be particularly pronounced. Contact lenses can increase dryness and irritation and make the eyes more susceptible to discomfort.

To protect eye health, contact lens wearers should adopt proactive strategies. Below are four key tips to effectively manage office eye syndrome.

use daily lenses

One of the best ways to reduce dryness and irritation is to switch to daily disposable lenses instead of reusable contact lenses.

Experts emphasize that daily Disposable minimize the buildup of proteins and deposits on the lenses that can cause eye discomfort. Daily disposable lenses are also generally better for eye health because a fresh, sterile pair is used every day.

Office workers may consider contact lenses from suppliers such as Apollo, which offers a variety of moisture-rich daily lenses, including the popular Dailies Total 1. These are made of breathable silicone hydrogel and have 80% water content, keeping the eyes hydrated throughout the day.

By switching to daily disposable lenses, contact lens wearers can improve comfort and minimize the risk of symptoms of office eye syndrome.

Do not wear contact lenses for too long

Wearing contact lenses beyond the recommended wearing time can strain your eyes and increase the risk of eye infections.

In addition, wearing monthly or daily lenses for long periods of time hinders the oxygen supply to the cornea, which can lead to redness, irritation and possible damage.

To avoid these problems, limit the wearing time to a maximum of 16 hours per day and switch to glasses when necessary to give your eyes a break.

The inclusion of Glasses Incorporating them into your daily routine can reduce eye discomfort, especially during long workdays. Also, be sure to replace your contact lenses according to the manufacturer's recommendations—whether daily, biweekly, or monthly.

adapt your workplace

The design of your workstation plays a crucial role in minimizing the symptoms of office eye syndrome. Place your monitor at arm's length, with the top of the screen at eye level or slightly below. It reduces strain on the eyes and neck.

In addition, you should practice healthy eye practices such as 20-20-20 rule Apply: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 meters away for at least 6 seconds.

The method relaxes the eye muscles and encourages blinking, which is often reduced during screen time. A humidifier, such as Venta Air, can help balance the dry office atmosphere and relieve dryness and irritation.

Have moisturizing eye drops ready

Lubricating eye drops are a simple and effective way to combat dryness and discomfort throughout the workday.

Choose preservative-free drops that are specifically designed for contact lens wearers, as they are less likely to irritate sensitive eyes. A good option is the Blink Intensive Tears-Eye drops that can soothe irritated and dry eyes for over 60 minutes.

Apply the drops as needed, especially after long periods of screen time. Regular moisturizing not only helps relax your eyes, but also keeps your contact lenses comfortable. Ask your optician for advice on the eye drops that are best for you.

Conclusion

Since office eye syndrome continues to affect millions of Germans, contact lens wearers should pay particular attention to their eye health.

By switching to daily lenses, avoiding overuse, optimizing the workspace and using lubricating drops, they can effectively manage symptoms – and maintain their comfort during work days.

Sierks Media / © Photos: PeopleImages.com (1), julief514 (1), de.depositphotos.com