COVID-19 Eye drop sector grows by 20 pc

    Kolkata, Jan 20 (PTI) The Rs 700-crore eye drop
market in the country has witnessed a 20 per cent growth in
the first half of the current fiscal as people were forced to
spend long hours with their digital devices in the wake of the
COVID-19 resulting in visual fatigue, industry sources said.
    With an increase in digital exposure during the
pandemic, problems related to eye strain, visual fatigue and
dryness have soared in recent months, doctors said.
    "Normally, the eye drop and lubricants sector was
growing at about eight per cent but post Covid it has jumped
to 20 per cent as per data available for the first half of the
current fiscal.
    We expect the sector to sustain this growth which
could be between 20 and 25 per cent by end of this fiscal,"
Entod Pharmaceuticals executive director Nikkhil K Masurkar
told PTI.
    The global eye drop and lubricants market size was USD
15,587 million in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 22,625
million by 2025.
    "Our company registered a growth of 20-25 per cent
post lockdown," Masurkar said.
    Eye strain due to onscreen exposure was a matter of
concern even before the outbreak of coronavirus, Dr John
Sarkar of Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre said.
    "Increased screen time, use of multiple digital
devices simultaneously and lack of visual rest have been major
concerns. However, this year things turned for the worse," he
said.
Due to online classes and an increased screen time,
parents are complaining about their children suffering from
eye fatigue, dryness and irritation, the doctors said.
    "Long hours on computers and screens are not only
leading to eye strain but postural problems also. We have to
ensure that our eyes get regular breaks from the digital
screens.
    "We recommend the 20-20-20 rule - look away from the
screen every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet
away, for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain," Dr S Das
of Sankara Jyoti Eye Institute said. PTI BSM
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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)