Reading, driving, looking at a computer screen or TV, or even speaking with someone, in person or on the phone, can all exacerbate symptoms because these are activities that require focus. When we focus we tend to stop blinking, and instead we stare. Avoiding, or reducing, these activities can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with chronic ocular inflammation, or inflammation of the eye lids.
Resting the eyes, and keeping them closed after periods of focused activity, can help alleviate symptoms.