Bengaluru: The cases of dry eye syndrome are increasing at an alarming rate in the tech city. According to city doctors, the cases have increased more than double over the past few years. The doctors attributed this to excessive screen time, increasing air pollution levels and poor lifestyle.
Dr Sampath Kumar, a paediatrician at Kinder Hospital, said, “Ten years ago the cases of pediatric dry eye cases were only 2-3 in a month. The number rose to five by 2019 and now in 2024 we are reporting 10-12 cases per month,” as per a report by the Times of India.
Apart from the causes like increased screen time, being indoors for long time in air-conditioned environments, and the increased trend of online learning, the worsening quality of air in the city is exacerbating the situation.
As per Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, consultant pediatrician and intensivist at Fortis Hospital, “The incidence of dry eye in children has dramatically increased in recent years, rising from 1-2 cases per week to 5-8 cases. This surge is primarily attributed to factors such as increased allergies caused by pollution, excessive screen time, insufficient hydration, and poor sleep habits.”
Cases increasing in adults too
Children are not alone to suffer from this problem. The symptoms are increasingly being reported in adults too. Dr ML Sujatha, consultant cataract and cornea refractive surgeon at Sparsh Hospital said, “Over the past years the surge in the dry eye cases has increased by 20-30 years. We see 15-20 cases of patients with mild to moderate symptoms.”
Sujatha added, “Individuals aged 20-40 are especially susceptible to dry eye due to their heavy reliance on digital devices for work, education, and social interactions. Older adults, on the other hand, are at risk due to underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hormonal changes, particularly in women.”
Air pollution additional factor
Dr Ashwin Santosh Shetty, consultant in ophthalmology at Aster CMI Hospital, emphasising the role of air pollution said, “Ocular allergies have increased with the rise in air pollution. These allergies can damage the ocular surface of eye if left untreated which can cause symptoms akin to dry eyes.”
To address the increasing prevalence of dry eye, preventive measures are essential. Experts suggest reducing screen time, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and practicing the 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. Use of air purifier is also advised.
