Tears, TikTok, and Tightlining: Why 90% of Young Adults Show Signs of Dry Eye

Think dry eye disease only affects older adults or contact lens wearers? Think again. A new wave of research reveals that younger people are developing dry eye signs at an alarming rate—and most don’t even know it.

A 2025 study from Aston University found that 90% of individuals aged 18–25 showed at least one clinical sign of dry eye disease (DED), even when they didn’t report any symptoms. Many had unstable tear films, signs of ocular surface stress, or even early changes to their corneal nerves.

This raises an important question: what’s driving the rise of dry eye in young adults? The answer lies in the intersection of modern lifestyle and beauty culture.

 

🧴 TFOS DEWS II: The Lifestyle-Dry Eye Link
The global TFOS DEWS II Lifestyle Report has long flagged changes in daily habits as key risk factors for dry eye disease. In particular, it highlights cosmetic use, screen exposure, and environmental stressors as contributors to tear film dysfunction and inflammation. Let’s break it down.

💄 1. Eye Makeup and Cosmetics

Tightlining, lash extensions, mascara, eyeliner, and oil-based removers may:

  • Block the meibomian glands (which produce the oil layer of your tears)
  • Disrupt the tear film
  • Introduce irritants or allergens to the ocular surface
  • Even some moisturisers and sunscreen actives can affect eye health if applied too close to the lid margin.

🧼 2. Lid Hygiene Gaps

Not removing makeup properly? Using expired products or dirty brushes? These can lead to:

  • Chronic lid inflammation (blepharitis)
  • Overgrowth of Demodex mites
  • Tear film instability and dryness
  • At Bright Eyes, we often say: you wouldn’t go to sleep with your contacts in—don’t sleep with yesterday’s eyeliner either.

📱 3. Screens, Screens, Screens

University life, remote work, and social media mean we’re on digital devices more than ever. Reduced blink rates during screen use lead to increased tear evaporation, eye strain, and ocular fatigue—even in healthy eyes.

🧠 What the Study Adds: Silent Dry Eye
The Aston researchers examined “normal” eyes in young people and still found:

  • Poor tear stability
  • High tear osmolarity (salt concentration)
  • Altered corneal nerve patterns, even in asymptomatic students

This suggests that dry eye can begin silently, without symptoms, and may progress without intervention.

“These findings show just how common dry eye signs are in young adults,” said lead author Professor James Wolffsohn. “We need to talk more about proactive care—not just reacting once symptoms appear.”


💧 What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

Even if you feel fine, your eyes might be under stress. Here's how to take action:

✅ Practice lid hygiene – use a gentle lid and lash cleanser daily (we recommend preservative-free, eye-safe formulas)
✅ Go easy on the waterline – avoid applying eyeliner directly to the inner lash line
✅ Use cosmetics formulated for eye safety – especially if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts.... hint hint we stock these
✅ Stick to the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
✅ Book an eye exam – even if you’re not having symptoms, we can assess your tear film health

👁️ Your Skincare Routine Should Include Eyecare
At Bright Eyes, we believe that beautiful eyes start with healthy eyes. That’s why we offer eye-safe skincare and makeup and lid and lash cleansers formulated with dry eye in mind.


✨ Bottom Line

Dry eye is getting younger. From screen use to beauty routines, today’s lifestyles are impacting tear health earlier than ever. But with small daily habits—and the right products—you can protect your eyes for the long term.

 

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