Dry eye disease is becoming more common, but the increase in its prevalence isn’t just due to aging—it’s also a reflection of the changing way we live, work, and interact with technology. While many factors contribute to dry eye, current research points to several modern habits and technologies as major culprits.
One of the most significant contributors is the increasing reliance on smartphones and computer screens. In the 21st century, digital devices have become a near-constant presence in our daily lives, and they’re having a measurable impact on eye health. Studies show that prolonged screen time is leading to lower blink rates and incomplete blinks—meaning the eyelids don’t close fully, which is essential for spreading moisture across the surface of the eye. This is causing a growing number of younger adults to experience dry eye symptoms, a condition historically more common in older populations, particularly women over the age of 50. Blink Rate and Incomplete Blinks in Six Different Controlled Hard-Copy and Electronic Reading Conditions | IOVS
In fact, the incidence of dry eye in people under 40 is now approaching that of individuals in the over-50 age group, which is a significant shift. As more people—especially younger adults—spend long hours staring at their devices, the consequences for eye health are becoming more apparent. The blink rate typically drops significantly when people focus on screens, and reduced blinking leads to less tear production and faster tear film evaporation. This creates a perfect storm for dry eye symptoms, which can include irritation, redness, and blurry vision. Original article Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease among Japanese Visual Display Terminal Users
However, the rise in dry eye isn’t just about screen time. There are several interrelated factors that are contributing to this multifactorial condition. Researchers have found that modern contact lens wear has also played a role in the growing number of dry eye cases. Many people now wear extended wear contact lenses, which can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea and disrupt the natural tear film. Additionally, improper lens hygiene—like not replacing lenses regularly or sleeping in them—can lead to discomfort and dryness. Investigation of Delefilcon A Contact Lenses for Symptomatic Daily Disposable Contact Lens Wearers with Dry Eye Disease: A Prospective Comparative Study
Another factor is the increasing popularity of eye surgeries like LASIK and other refractive procedures. While these surgeries can provide long-term benefits in terms of vision correction, they can also temporarily disrupt tear production by damaging the corneal nerves responsible for triggering tear flow. This post-surgical dry eye is a common issue, especially in the first few months after surgery. Dry Eye After LASIK - PubMed
The growing use of prescription medications is also a contributing factor. Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure drugs are known to have dry eye as a side effect, as they can reduce tear production. Even over-the-counter medications for cold and allergy relief, such as decongestants, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Is there a relationship between the severity of disease in major depressive disorder patients and dry eye disease? - PubMed
These factors—screen time, contact lenses, eye surgeries, and medications—don’t occur in isolation. In fact, they often overlap, making it difficult to pinpoint a single cause. This is what researchers mean when they refer to dry eye as a multifactorial disease. Essentially, there are multiple contributing factors at play, and the effects are cumulative. A person who spends hours on their phone each day, wears contact lenses, takes certain medications, and experiences environmental dryness (from air conditioning, for example) is at a much higher risk of developing dry eye than someone who only has one of these risk factors.
Additionally, environmental factors such as air pollution, low humidity, and exposure to allergens are becoming more prevalent, and these external irritants can worsen dry eye symptoms. As our environment becomes increasingly urbanized, more people are exposed to irritants that can trigger or exacerbate dry eye disease. Impact of Air Pollution and Weather on Dry Eye - PMC
The challenge is that these overlapping factors make it difficult to measure the exact cause of dry eye in each individual. The way we live now—relying on technology, medicating more frequently, undergoing more surgeries, and spending more time in dry, polluted environments—presents a complex web of variables that can negatively impact tear production and eye health.
Why Is This Shift Important?
Understanding why dry eye is happening more now helps us address it more effectively. It’s no longer just a condition for the elderly, but for younger adults who are exposed to environmental and lifestyle factors that increase their risk. Recognizing the multifactorial nature of the disease means we need to treat dry eye from a holistic perspective. Addressing screen time, optimizing contact lens use, managing underlying health conditions, and even improving environmental factors like humidity and air quality can all be key steps in managing or preventing dry eye disease.
Peeq Pro: The Future of Dry Eye Treatment
As we continue to make advances in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED), the Peeq Pro system is emerging as a game-changer in managing both the symptoms of dry eye and the overall health of the eyelids. With its customizable subscription service, Peeq Pro allows eye doctors to create a tailored treatment plan based on each patient's unique needs. This personalized approach not only enhances the effectiveness of treatment but also simplifies the process for patients, enabling them to follow a consistent, easy-to-use routine from the comfort of their home.
One of the biggest challenges in managing dry eye disease is patient compliance. Many treatments require consistent use, and it can be difficult for patients to stay on track. Peeq Pro helps overcome this hurdle by offering a subscription model that delivers the necessary products directly to the patient’s door or doctor’s office, ensuring they have what they need when they need it. By streamlining the treatment process, Peeq Pro increases patient compliance and reduces the risk of dry eye disease either developing or worsening. Additionally, because the products are customized to the individual’s needs, they are more likely to address the root causes of dry eye, rather than simply masking symptoms.
Beyond treating dry eye itself, Peeq Pro also offers comprehensive eyelid hygiene solutions that are crucial for maintaining overall eye health. The Waiva device paired with the Peeq Pro Eyelid Cleanser provides a two-pronged approach to managing and preventing dry eye disease, especially in patients with conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The cleanser is specially formulated with ingredients that kill bacteria while being gentle enough to use on and around the eyelids. Unlike typical cleansers that may contain harsh chemicals or irritants, Peeq Pro’s eyelid cleanser is free from parabens, sulfates, and other skin-damaging additives. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin and helps ensure that patients don’t experience further irritation when cleansing their eyelids. Waiva Eyelid Cleaning System – Peeq Pro
In addition to its bactericidal properties, the Peeq Pro Eyelid Cleanser contains tea tree oil and lavender oil—two powerhouse ingredients that provide multiple benefits for both eye and skin health. Tea tree oil is well-known for its ability to moisturize dry skin, balance oil production, and reduce inflammation. It’s also effective in treating Demodex mites, which are often linked to conditions like blepharitis and MGD. Lavender oil, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and reduces inflammation while being antimicrobial and antifungal. Together, these oils help create a soothing and healing environment for the delicate skin around the eyes. Foaming Eyelid & Facial Cleanser for Eyelid Hygiene – Peeq Pro
By using the Peeq Pro Eyelid Cleanser regularly, patients can reduce symptoms of dry eye, prevent the recurrence of styes, and improve overall eyelid hygiene. For patients with conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis, regular cleaning can help maintain proper gland function, ensuring that tears are distributed evenly across the eye and reducing discomfort.
Benefits of Peeq Pro in Eye Care:
Customized Treatment: Doctors can tailor the subscription boxes to address a patient's specific needs, providing a personalized approach to dry eye care.
Improved Compliance: The subscription service ensures patients have access to the necessary products, making it easier to stick to a routine and see better results.
Comprehensive Eyelid Hygiene: The Waiva device and Peeq Pro Eyelid Cleanser work together to support eye health and hygiene, effectively managing conditions like MGD and blepharitis.
Gentle, Effective Formula: The cleanser’s formulation, free from harsh chemicals, is ideal for sensitive skin and will not irritate the eyes or surrounding areas.
Supports Healthy Skin: Ingredients like tea tree oil and lavender oil help moisturize, reduce inflammation, and protect against bacterial and fungal infections, addressing both dry eye symptoms and eyelid health.
In conclusion, Peeq Pro represents the future of dry eye management, offering a personalized, convenient, and effective solution for patients. With a focus on both dry eye symptoms and eyelid hygiene, Peeq Pro is setting a new standard in eye care, helping patients achieve long-term relief and maintain healthy eyes. Whether you’re managing dry eye, blepharitis, or other eyelid-related conditions, Peeq Pro provides the tools you need to improve both eye and skin health, all while simplifying your routine. It’s more than just a treatment, it’s a step toward a healthier future for your eyes.
Therefore, the rise of dry eye disease in today’s world is complex and multifactorial. While 21st-century technology and lifestyle factors play a huge role, it’s important to recognize that dry eye is not just a nuisance, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. By understanding its many causes, we can better manage and treat dry eye, whether through lifestyle adjustments, medical interventions, or a combination of both.