A recent survey found that about 20 percent of Hongkongers suffer from dry eyes, and doctors said it could lead to eye injuries.

The dry-eye problem is caused by a deficiency of tear film that results in inflammation of the ocular surface.

The Public Opinion Programme of the University of Hong Kong conducted a survey last month of 512 people aged 18 to 55 who had dry eyes in the past month. About 83 percent said they had experienced painful or sore eyes.

As to the causes, 93 percent quoted insufficient sleep, 87 percent cited working at a computer for long hours. A majority also said air pollution didn't help, nor did wind or wearing contacts for extended hours.

About 80 percent said dry eyes affected their daily life in reading, using the computer, watching TV and driving at night.

Dr Anita Ng, honorary assistant professor of the Chinese University's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, advises people to take dry eyes seriously.

Consciously blinking every 30 minutes and adjusting room temperature to increase humidity also helps minimize tears' evaporation.

Artificial tear drops were also suggested.

(HK Edition 11/11/2008 page1)