Staring at a digital monitor for hours at a time, especially in an air-conditioned room, has a nasty way of removing all the moisture from your cornea. The condition is known as "dry eyes".

You know you have it when you attempt to blink rapidly or rub them shut with your fingers because the heat is becoming painful. Squinting, excessive blinking and even trying to refocus your vision are keys that dry eyes is setting in and it's time to take a break.

There is an easy solution for rectifying dry eyes though. According to this West Australian article, two Perth optometrists are recommending that people adorn their desk with a pot plant.

That's right - an indoor pot plant.

The easiest of remedies, all one has to do is place the pot plant near themselves as they continue to work. The plant, as part of its natural evapo-transpiration, will increase the ambient humidity of the area you are working in and therefore help keep your dry eyes moist.

The next question that raises its inquisitive head is - Does it matter which indoor plant you place on your desk?

The unequivocal answer is 'Yes'. Plants with broad, larger leaves are far more likely to transpire than strappy foliage. Many common indoor plants such as draceana and kentia palms are probably not suitable to replenish your dry eyes. While spathiphyllum, syngoniums and African violets are exceptional.

Succulents are less beneficial as their water storing qualities prove disadvantageous when wanting to hydrate a room.

Apparently it doesn't matter how large the office space is provided the indoor plant is located near where you work. This is beneficial as you won't require a plant that is proportional to your workspace - and it may even leave enough room for you to work on.

Dry eyes can be rectified through other means, namely using humidifiers to hydrate the airspace, drinking good amounts of water, using eye drops and eating more vegetables. While all those remedies are sound advice it seems that the best alternative that has been provided is the introduction of indoor plants.

Isn't it canny how horticulture can once again benefit mankind's ailments!