A growing number of residents in Chennai are reporting symptoms of digital eye strain — particularly dryness, irritation and discomfort — attributed to prolonged use of mobile phones, eye specialists and sufferers say.With smartphones becoming ubiquitous for work, education and entertainment, ophthalmologists are observing a sharp increase in patients complaining of dry, itchy eyes, blurred vision, redness and headaches — classic signs of what doctors term “digital dryness” or computer vision syndrome.
“Over the past year, I’ve seen a nearly 40 % rise in patients experiencing dry eye symptoms,” said Dr. A. Ranganathan, an eye surgeon based in Alwarpet. “The common factor is extended screen time — many are using mobiles for more than six to eight hours a day without breaks.”
Students, working professionals and even homemakers are among those reporting discomfort. “I often spend hours on my phone studying and scrolling through social media,” said S. Meera, a college student in T. Nagar. “By the evening, my eyes feel tired and very dry. I have to blink repeatedly and use artificial tears to find relief.”
Ophthalmologists explain that reduced blinking during intense screen viewing contributes to dry eye. “When we stare at screens, our blink rate drops significantly,” said Dr. P. Krishnamurthy, a cornea specialist. “This means the tear film evaporates faster and the eyes become dry. Environmental factors like Chennai’s dry winds also exacerbate the issue.”
Parents are increasingly concerned about children’s screen habits. “My son has been on his phone for hours during the pandemic and now he complains of sore eyes every night,” said R. Sridhar, a resident of Velachery. “We have begun setting limits on his screen time after seeing how uncomfortable he gets.”
Doctors recommend simple preventive measures such as the 20-20-20 rule — looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen use — frequent blinking exercises, maintaining proper screen distance and using lubricating eye drops if needed.
“The key is moderation,” said Dr. Ranganathan. “Breaks, proper lighting and conscious blinking can prevent or lessen digital dryness. If symptoms persist, consult an eye care professional — untreated dry eye can impact daily functioning and quality of life.”
With mobile usage showing no signs of slowing down, health experts urge Chennai residents to be mindful of their screen habits to protect long-term eye health.