Launching Dry Eye Screening Campaign to Protect Vision in the Digital Environment

Dry Eye Increasing in the Digital Device Era

With its extensive pharmacy network and professionally trained consultants, Long Châu helps spread the dry eye screening questionnaire and provide timely advice to the community

The rapid development of technology along with the growing habit of using electronic devices is significantly increasing eye-related problems. Among them, dry eye is considered one of the most common conditions today. In response to this reality, the collaborative project between Long Châu and Santen was launched to help people easily access screening tools, recognize early signs of dry eye, and find suitable solutions to care for their vision.

According to Prof. Dr. Tôn Thị Kim Thanh, President of the Vietnam Ophthalmology Association, Medical Director of Anh Sang Eye Hospital, and former Head of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Department at the National Eye Hospital, doctors in recent years have recorded a growing number of patients experiencing problems related to the ocular surface. Notably, dry eye is no longer a condition seen only in older adults or office workers but is increasingly common across many groups in society, including young people.

Continuous exposure to computer screens, smartphones, and other digital devices forces the eyes to work harder while also reducing the natural blinking rate. As a result, the tear film on the surface of the eye evaporates more quickly, making it easier for dry eye symptoms and persistent discomfort to occur.

A Medical-Standard Dry Eye Screening Questionnaire

Multi-directional collaboration aims to raise community awareness of dry eye disease and encourage proactive vision care in the digital age

One of the highlights of the program is the launch of a medical-standard dry eye screening questionnaire, developed based on scientific foundations and professionally endorsed by the Vietnam Ophthalmology Association. This tool is designed to help people quickly assess their risk of dry eye through simple questions related to symptoms, frequency of eye discomfort, and environmental factors that may affect vision.

The questionnaire focuses on common dry eye symptoms such as dryness, irritation, foreign body sensation, glare, blurred vision, or eye fatigue when using electronic devices. The screening takes only about 30 seconds but can help users initially identify their dry eye condition and level of risk.

After completing the questionnaire, users will immediately receive an assessment of their eye condition. This serves as an initial step to help individuals better understand their eye health and proactively adjust daily habits, reduce screen time, or learn more about appropriate eye care methods.

Expanding Access to Eye Care in the Community

Prof. Dr. Tôn Thị Kim Thanh, President of the Vietnam Ophthalmology Association

According to Mr. Nguyễn Minh Phúc, General Director of Santen Vietnam, the project “Dry Eye Screening and Eye Protection in the Digital Device Environment” was launched with the goal of increasing community awareness about eye health. When people can easily access simple and convenient screening tools, identifying the risk of dry eye early becomes much easier.

Representatives of the Long Châu system also shared that with a network of more than 2,400 pharmacies and vaccination centers covering 34 provinces and cities, along with a workforce of over 20,000 healthcare staff, the system aims to become a healthcare touchpoint close to the community. Every day, hundreds of thousands of customers visit the system not only to purchase medicines but also to seek advice and support for health concerns, including eye conditions such as dry eye.

Mr. Nguyễn Minh Phúc, General Director of Santen Vietnam

Through the nationwide pharmacy network combined with online communication channels, the program will spread useful information about eye care, vision protection, and dry eye prevention. This helps the community better understand the importance of caring for eye health in today’s digital environment.

According to statistics from the healthcare sector, about 60% of office workers currently experience eye-related problems, with dry eye being the most common condition due to prolonged use of computers and electronic devices. Ophthalmology experts recommend forming healthy habits such as taking regular eye breaks, maintaining an appropriate distance when using digital devices, and ensuring proper lighting in the working environment to reduce the risk of dry eye.

The collaboration between Santen, Long Châu, and the Vietnam Ophthalmology Association is expected to mark an important step in raising awareness of dry eye in Vietnam. When people correctly understand this condition and proactively perform early screening, caring for and protecting eye health in the digital era will become more effective.