On 6/3, Professor Doctor Ton Thi Kim Thanh, President of the Vietnam Ophthalmological Society, announced the launch of the project "Dry Eye Screening and Eye Protection Care in Digital Device Environment." She noted that with the advancement of digital technology and modern lifestyles, issues related to the ocular surface, particularly dry eye syndrome, are significantly increasing. This condition is no longer primarily seen in older adults but is becoming common across many groups, especially youth and office workers. If not properly identified and cared for, dry eye can considerably affect quality of life, work performance, and long-term visual health.

To address this growing concern, the Vietnam Ophthalmological Society, in collaboration with the FPT Long Chau pharmacy system and Japanese ophthalmic pharmaceutical company Santen, launched an online dry eye screening questionnaire for the public. This free test is available on the pharmacy system's website and application. Users can complete the multiple-choice questions in about 30 seconds, answering about common symptoms such as glare, foreign body sensation, eye pain, blurred vision, or workplace environmental conditions.

The questionnaire is based on the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) medical standard scale. Upon completion, the system automatically classifies dry eye risk as mild, moderate, or severe. This provides individuals with a basis to adjust their daily habits or proactively seek specialist examination when necessary. Through a network of over 2,400 pharmacies nationwide and an online platform, the program aims to provide easy access to early screening tools. High-risk individuals will receive initial advice from pharmacists or be directed to specialized eye clinics for further examination.

People undergoing examination at TP HCM Eye Hospital. Photo: Quynh Tran

Healthcare statistics indicate that approximately 60% of office workers experience eye problems, with dry eye being the most common condition. Doctor Tran Dinh Minh Huy from the Department of Ophthalmology at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine explains that dry eye syndrome is fundamentally an imbalance of the tear film, the thin layer covering the ocular surface.

"Imagine the tear film as a glossy oil layer that keeps the eye surface moist and clear," Doctor Huy elaborated. "When this layer becomes unstable, eyes are prone to dryness, foreign body sensation, burning, or blurred vision."

Prolonged screen usage reduces blink frequency, and dry, air-conditioned environments lead to rapid evaporation of the protective lipid layer on the eye surface. Additionally, factors such as age and hormonal changes, particularly in women during perimenopause and menopause, increase the risk of developing the condition. Individuals with dry eye often experience dryness, burning, a gritty feeling, blurry vision, excessive tearing, and difficulty concentrating while working.

Beyond discomfort, dry eye significantly impairs work performance. Studies suggest that severe cases can reduce labor productivity by up to 128 working days annually. If left untreated, chronic dry eye can cause corneal epithelial damage, leading to keratitis, infections, and scarring, ultimately impairing vision.

People buying medicine at a pharmacy. Photo: My Huyen

Ophthalmology experts emphasize that early detection and proper care are crucial for effectively managing dry eye. In addition to using prescribed artificial tears, individuals working with computers should adopt the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look away at an object about 20 feet (approximately 6 m) distant for 20 seconds to relax the eyes. Furthermore, frequent blinking, increasing workplace humidity, and limiting electronic device usage also contribute to reducing the risk of dry eye.

Le Phuong