New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- The immediate suspect for dry, irritated eyes in an increasingly digital world is often blamed on prolonged use of smartphones and computer screens. However, while digital eye strain is a significant contributor, ophthalmologists said that dismissing dry eye as merely a consequence of too much screen time overlooks a complex web of environmental, physiological, and medical factors.

With World Sight Day approaching on October 8, eye care experts told LiveMint that dry eye syndrome has hidden culprits and urged people to look beyond their devices to protect their overall ocular health.

Dry eye syndrome is a widespread condition that occurs when the tear film-the natural layer of tears that coats the front of the eye -...