1 hr ago
Dry Eye Has Causes Beyond Screens, Doctors Say
Your eyes have a thin layer of tears that helps protect them and keep vision clear.
Dry eye can happen when that layer becomes unhealthy or breaks apart.
Looking at screens for a long time can contribute, but it is not the only possible cause.
Ageing, some health conditions, certain medicines, contact lenses, smoke and air conditioning can also play a part.
People may feel burning, itching or a gritty feeling, and their vision may blur or change.
Doctors can use tests to check the tears and the surface of the eye.
Treatment depends on what is causing the problem and can include eye drops, warm compresses or prescribed medicines.
The doctors say it is important to consider a person's overall health and surroundings, not just screen use.
Dry eye occurs when the tear film that protects the eye becomes unhealthy or breaks down.
Doctors identify ageing, hormonal changes, air conditioning, pollution, smoke, contact lenses and eyelid inflammation as possible contributors.
Hypothyroidism, arthritis and some medicines, including antihistamines and decongestants, may also affect eye moisture.
Symptoms can include burning, itching, gritty sensations, redness, fluctuating vision, pain and eye fatigue.
Treatment may include artificial tears, gels, eyelid care, tear-conserving measures or prescription medicines, depending on the cause and severity.
- Who
- Ophthalmologists Dr Sowmya M and Dr Sujal Shah discussed dry eye and its causes.
- What
- The article explains dry eye, its less obvious contributing factors, symptoms, testing and treatment options.
- Where
- The doctors quoted work at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in Bengaluru and Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.
- When
- The article refers to World Sight Day on October 8, 2026.
- Why
- To explain that dry eye can have environmental, physiological and medical causes beyond screen use, and that identifying the underlying cause can guide care.
Key facts
- Condition
- Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tear film that coats the front of the eye breaks down.
- Possible factors
- Ageing, hormonal fluctuations, air conditioning, pollution, smoke, contact lenses and eyelid inflammation.
- Health conditions and medicines
- The article names hypothyroidism, arthritis, antihistamines and decongestants as possible contributors.
- Symptoms
- May include burning, stinging, itching, gritty sensations, redness, fluctuating vision, eye pain and fatigue.
- Diagnostic tests
- Tear film height assessment, Schirmer's strip test, fluorescein staining and imaging, and meibography.
- Treatment options
- Artificial tears, gels, ointments or inserts, warm compresses, eyelid care, punctal plugs, nighttime masks or goggles, and prescribed medicines.
- World Sight Day
- The article says it falls on October 8 in 2026.
Quotes
Dr Sujal Shah
Director of Ophthalmology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.
“When the tear film becomes unhealthy, it breaks down in different places on the cornea and conjunctiva, leading not only to symptoms of irritation, but also to unstable and intermittently changing vision”
livemint.com
“Screen time is just one piece of the puzzle in dry eye.”
livemint.com
Sources
Related news
Use the 20-20-20 Rule to Ease Digital Eye Strain
Doctors Explain How Nighttime Phone Use Affects Eyes
When Headache Pain Signals an Eye Problem: Key Warning Signs
How Stress and Lifestyle Changes Can Show Up on Skin
Five Eye Warning Signs Seniors Should Never Ignore
Why You May Wake Tired Despite Getting Enough Sleep
Anantapur Press Club Distributes Free Eye-Care Coupons to Journalists
Jefferies Sees 22-46% Upside in Major Hospital Stocks
Jefferies names four healthcare stocks with earnings upside
