Archive · 7 Oct 2026
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.
- When
- The article refers to World Sight Day on October 8, 2026.
- Where
- The doctors quoted work at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in Bengaluru and Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.
- 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.
- 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.