Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Dry Eye is no longer an age-related condition—it is now rampant among screen users, warned Dr. C. Jagadesh Reddy, Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon and Founder of Pristine Eye Hospitals.

Dry Eye Disease (DED), once seen predominantly in the elderly, is now emerging as a widespread lifestyle disorder among tech professionals and teenagers due to excessive screen use, said Dr Reddy. “We are no longer dealing with a simple eye issue—Dry Eye is now a digital-age health crisis,” warned Dr. C. Jagadesh Reddy.

70% of IT professionals and 40% of urban teenagers report Dry Eye symptoms.  1 in 3 tech workers suffer from moderate to severe Dry Eye.  Teenagers using screens for over 4 hours/day are twice as likely to develop DED. . “We’re blinking less, straining more, and ignoring the silent suffering of our eyes”. he added The campaign encourages the 20-20-20 Rule, according to which it is suggested that every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 

Dry Eye Disease is underdiagnosed, often self-treated with OTC drops, or completely ignored. If it is left untreated, it can lead to chronic discomfort, corneal damage, and infections. The Common causes for dry according to the experts, are due to reduced blinking (up to 60%) while using screens, prolonged air-conditioned indoor environments and poor ergonomics, posture, and prolonged contact lens use

“Dry Eye isn’t just a medical condition anymore—it’s a modern lifestyle disorder. Techies and ‘screenagers alike must become more mindful,” emphasised Dr. Reddy. Pristine Eye Hospitals is soon to launch the city’s first dedicated Centre of Excellence for Dry Eye, a state-of-the-art facility designed to address what Dr. Reddy calls a “lifestyle epidemic.” The Centre will be formally inaugurated on July 30 .