Hyderabad Women: Dry Eyes Plagued by Makeup & Screens

Eye specialists in Hyderabad are highlighting a silent health concern for women: dry eye disease. Working professionals are increasingly experiencing symptoms, with doctors seeing 15 to 20 cases weekly. Factors contributing to this rise include extensive use of eye cosmetics like kajal and mascara, coupled with prolonged hours spent on digital screens.

A study at Gandhi Hospital revealed that nearly 40% of postmenopausal women in Hyderabad suffer from dry eye. The condition worsens with age and can be severely impacted by lifestyle choices. A woman in her mid-40s experienced significant meibomian gland damage due to long screen hours and heavy eye makeup, resulting in irreversible loss of gland function.

Cosmetics applied to the waterline can block crucial meibomian glands, which produce oil for tears. This blockage causes tears to evaporate rapidly, leading to irritation, redness, and watering. Reduced blinking during screen use further exacerbates the problem. Doctors recommend frequent blinking, reducing screen time, ensuring good sleep, and using warm compresses to alleviate symptoms.

Doctors also observed that a quarter of hospital cases are linked to dry eye, with a notable increase in younger patients, especially IT professionals aged 20-40. Routine eye exams are also proving vital for detecting other health issues like diabetes and hypertension early. Advice includes avoiding kajal on the waterline, removing makeup before sleep, maintaining eyelid hygiene, staying hydrated, and adhering to the 20-20-20 rule for screen use.