Dry Eye Becomes a Modern Epidemic Among Techies and Teenagers: Pristine Eye Hospitals to Launch First Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: In a significant move to tackle the rising cases of Dry Eye Disease (DED), Pristine Eye Hospitals announced the launch of Hyderabad’s first-ever Centre of Excellence for Dry Eye, a specialized facility to combat what experts now call a “digital-age lifestyle epidemic.” The Centre will be inaugurated on July 30 by Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Telangana.

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Addressing a press conference at Pristine Hospitals in Madhapur, Dr. C. Jagadesh Reddy, Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon and Founder of Pristine Eye Hospitals, said, “Dry Eye is no longer just an age-related issue. It’s now a growing crisis among IT professionals, students, and teenagers due to extended screen exposure.”

Dry Eye: From Age-Related to Digital Lifestyle Disorder

According to Dr. Reddy, 70% of IT professionals and 40% of urban teenagers are already showing symptoms of Dry Eye. Shockingly, 1 in 3 tech workers suffer from moderate to severe forms of the condition. “We blink 60% less while looking at screens, putting our eyes under constant strain,” he said.

This growing prevalence has earned the nickname “Blink Crisis,” which Dr. Reddy warns is a silent but serious threat to long-term eye health. He emphasized that even teenagers using screens for over 4 hours a day are twice as likely to develop Dry Eye symptoms.

Hyderabad’s First Centre of Excellence for Dry Eye

Located near Rayadurgam Metro Station, opposite Raheja Mindspace in the city’s tech corridor, the Centre of Excellence for Dry Eye will feature:

• World-Class Diagnostics: Tear Film Analyzer, Meibography, LipiView® Imaging
• Advanced Therapies: LipiFlow®, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), BlephEx™, MeiboFlow®, Punctal Plugs
• Personalized Eye Wellness Programs: Tailored for IT workers, teenagers, and seniors
• Corporate Eye Care Packages: Designed to promote vision health in the workplace

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“This facility is the first-of-its-kind in South India dedicated solely to Dry Eye treatment and education,” noted Dr. Reddy.

Launch of ‘Blink Break’ Campaign

Coinciding with the Centre’s opening, the Pristine Vision Foundation, the hospital’s non-profit wing, is launching a city-wide “Blink Break” awareness campaign. This initiative promotes digital eye hygiene with tips like the 20-20-20 Rule—every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

The campaign will also:

• Encourage self-screening using the Dry Eye OSDI Test on the Pristine website
• Conduct outreach camps and mobile clinics for underserved communities
• Promote preventive care before symptoms escalate

The Warning Signs and Risks of Untreated Dry Eye

Dry Eye Disease is often underdiagnosed, frequently mismanaged with over-the-counter eye drops, or ignored altogether. Dr. Reddy warned that untreated cases can lead to chronic discomfort, corneal damage, and even vision loss.

Common causes include:

• Reduced blinking during prolonged screen use
• Air-conditioned environments with low humidity
• Poor posture and ergonomics
• Extended contact lens use

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“Dry Eye isn’t just a health condition—it’s a warning sign that our digital habits are out of control,” Dr. Reddy added. “Our goal isn’t just treatment, but prevention. It’s not about reducing screen time—it’s about being screen mindful.”

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