Surge in ‘Reel-Induced Eye Damage’ Sparks Health Alert Among Ophthalmologists

Doctors Warn of Growing Vision Problems Linked to Excessive Reel-Watching on Social Media​

New Delhi, April 1 – With short-form videos increasingly dominating screen time, ophthalmologists are sounding the alarm on a growing health crisis: reel-induced eye damage. Experts at the ongoing Joint Meeting of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) and the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), held at Yashobhoomi – India International Convention and Expo Centre, highlighted the dangerous rise in digital eye disorders driven by binge-watching reels on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

A Silent Epidemic: Digital Eye Strain on the Rise​

Dr. Lalit Verma, President of APAO 2025 Congress, described the trend as a “silent epidemic” caused by prolonged screen exposure. “We are witnessing a sharp rise in cases of dry eye syndrome, progressive myopia, eye strain, and even early-onset squinting, especially among children and young adults glued to short videos for hours,” Dr. Verma warned.

He cited a case of a student suffering from blurry vision and persistent irritation due to inadequate tear production—directly linked to excessive screen time. “We immediately recommended eye drops and the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away,” he said.

How Reels Disrupt Natural Eye Function​

Dr. Harbansh Lal, Chairman of the Organising Committee and President of AIOS, explained that reels are designed for prolonged engagement, which significantly impacts natural eye behavior.

“Blink rates drop by nearly 50% while watching screens, causing dry-eye syndrome and accommodation spasms—difficulty shifting focus between distances. If left unchecked, this can lead to long-term vision issues or even permanent damage,” Dr. Lal said.

He emphasized that the surge in early-onset myopia among children is particularly alarming, noting that adults are also experiencing related issues like migraines, disrupted sleep, and lens number fluctuation—once stable till age 21, now extending to age 30 due to increased digital exposure.

A Global Concern: Myopia to Affect Half the World by 2050​

Recent studies referenced during the event indicate that over 50% of the global population may be affected by myopia by 2050, making it the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Doctors also noted growing instances of digital eye strain, especially among students and professionals exposed to fast-paced, visually intense content.

Social and psychological issues are also surfacing, including mental fatigue, cognitive overload, and social isolation. “People are so engrossed in reels that they neglect real-world interactions, leading to strained family ties and a decline in productivity,” said Dr. Samar Basak, President of AIOS.

The Emergence of 'Reel Vision Syndrome'​

Dr. Partha Biswas, senior ophthalmologist and incoming AIOS President, introduced the term “Reel Vision Syndrome”to describe the overstimulation caused by artificial lighting, rapid visual changes, and prolonged near-focus activities.

“This phenomenon is real and dangerous. If we don’t act now, we risk turning it into a widespread public health crisis,” Dr. Biswas cautioned.

Prevention: Small Steps, Big Impact​

Ophthalmologists recommend simple but effective practices to combat reel-induced eye problems:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Increase blink rate: Make a conscious effort to blink more often while using screens.
• Limit screen time: Reduce unnecessary exposure and take regular digital detoxes.

Health experts are urging parents, educators, and content consumers to act now. “Reels may be short, but their effects on eye health could last a lifetime,” concluded Dr. Lal.