If your eyes often itch, burn, or feel like they have lost their natural sparkle after hours of scrolling or typing, you are not alone. A growing body of research warns that dry eye disease – once a minor complaint is fast turning into a widespread health concern across Bangladesh’s urban and industrial workforce.
Dry eye disease (DED), a multifactorial disorder affecting the tear film and ocular surface, has quietly become one of the world’s most common eye conditions. Characterised by discomfort, blurred vision, and an unstable tear film, the illness can even cause damage to the eye’s delicate surface if left untreated.
In the last three decades, DED has evolved into a major public health issue, particularly in rapidly urbanising countries like Bangladesh, where digital dependency and environmental stressors combine to create the perfect storm for eye strain.
Several studies paint a worrying picture. A 2020 survey of over 1,000 garment factory workers in Gazipur revealed that 64.2% suffered from dry eye symptoms, with more than a third reporting severe irritation. A more recent 2025 study among office employees in Dhaka found that over half (51.4%) were affected. Even more alarming, a hospital-based study from the capital recorded 54.3% prevalence among patients aged 40 and above.
And it is not just adults. A groundbreaking icddr,b study in 2025 showed that 78% of Dhaka’s children and adolescents experience dryness or soreness in their eyes – mostly due to prolonged screen exposure, a troubling sign of the digital age’s early impact on younger generations.
Digital device usage has emerged as one of the strongest challenges in our life. Prolonged staring at phones and monitors significantly reduces blink rates, drying out the eyes and disrupting tear balance. Factory environments add another layer of risk – with poor ventilation, high temperatures, and chemical exposure all worsening symptoms.
Outdoor workers face their own challenges, from dust, wind, and heat to contact with agricultural chemicals.
Even the comfort of air-conditioned offices and homes comes at a cost. Low humidity accelerates tear evaporation, while pollution, smoke, and dust aggravate eye irritation and inflammation.
Another Dhaka-based study highlighted a high prevalence of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – a condition that blocks the oil-producing glands of the eyelids, worsening tear evaporation. Other research shows that wearing contact lenses, having vitamin D deficiency, or living with diabetes can make symptoms worse.
The condition also tends to increase with age, particularly among those over 40, and studies suggest women are slightly more prone to dry eye due to hormonal differences.
While dry eye may sound minor, simple lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in managing the symptoms. Experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Regular blinking, maintaining proper posture, and keeping screens at eye level can help reduce strain. Adding humidifiers to air-conditioned spaces can restore moisture, while protective eyewear shields outdoor workers from harsh conditions. Nutrition also plays a role – omega-3 fatty acids and balanced vitamin levels have been linked to better tear stability.
As Bangladesh’s cities glow with digital screens and air-conditioned offices, a silent eye crisis continues to grow behind them. From factories to classrooms, millions are quietly coping with burning, tired eyes – a symptom of our always-online world.
Try not to ignore your eyes. Because in the glare of the screen, the cost of neglect may be more than just a little discomfort, it could mean losing the natural clarity we so often take for granted.
NOTE TO READERS: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
