After 'Brain Rot', Reels Now Leading To Eye Disorders: Docs Issue Urgent Warning

After the concerns about the impact of short-form videos on mental health, doctors are now raising an alarm about a new, growing crisis - 'reel-induced eye damage.'

- Press Trust Of India

Excessive screen time, particularly binge-watching reels on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, is leading to a spike in eye disorders across all age groups, especially among children and young adults. This was shared by leading ophthalmologists during ongoing Joint Meeting of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society at the Yashobhoomi - India In-ternational Convention and Expo Centre on Tuesday.

Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) 2025 Congress president Dr Lalit Verma issued a strong warning against the 'silent epidemic of digital eye strain' caused by excessive screen exposure. “We are seeing a sharp increase in cases of dry eye syndrome, myopia progression, eye strain, and even early-on-set squinting, especially in children who spend hours watching reels,” he said.