Growing Dry Eye Treatment Demand Among Professionals in Tech Industries

Why More Vancouver Professionals Under 40 Are Developing Chronic Dry Eye

Vancouver, Canada – April 27, 2026 / Doctor Lili Optometry /

Dr. Lili Liang Reports Growing Dry Eye Treatment Demand Among Young Professionals in Vancouver’s Tech and Creative Industries

Vancouver optometrist sees an increasing number of patients under 40 seeking dry eye treatment as prolonged screen time disrupts natural tear film stability

VANCOUVER, BC— Dr. Lili Liang, an optometrist in Vancouver and founder of Dr. Lili Optometry on W. Broadway, reports a notable shift in the demographics of patients seeking dry eye treatment at her practice. While dry eye disease has traditionally been associated with older adults, Dr. Liang says a growing share of her caseload now consists of young professionals — particularly those working in Vancouver’s tech, design, and creative sectors — who are developing chronic symptoms tied to extended daily screen use.

According to research published in the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), digital screen use reduces blink frequency by up to two-thirds compared to normal activities, causing the tear film to break down faster than it can rebuild. A separate Canadian study from the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry confirms that digital screen use is driving an increase in symptomatic dry eye disease among younger patient populations — a trend Dr. Liang says is consistent with what she observes in her Vancouver practice.

“I’m seeing more patients in their 20s and 30s who are spending eight or more hours a day on screens for work, then switching to personal devices in the evening,” said Dr. Liang. “Their eyes never get a meaningful break. By the time they come in, they’re experiencing persistent burning, grittiness, and blurred vision that over-the-counter drops aren’t resolving.”

Population-level data support the scale of the issue. A Canadian prevalence study estimates that dry eye disease affects more than 6 million adults, with approximately 21% of the adult population affected. While prevalence remains highest among women and adults over 55, Dr. Liang notes that the fastest-growing segment of her dry eye treatment caseload is patients under 40 who had no prior history of eye discomfort before entering screen-intensive careers.

Dr. Liang, who holds degrees in both Optometry and Public Health from Salus University, emphasizes that effective dry eye treatment requires more than artificial tears. At her practice, each patient undergoes a detailed assessment that evaluates tear production, tear film quality, blink dynamics, and ocular surface health. Based on those findings, she develops customized treatment plans that may include specialized eye drops, eyelid hygiene protocols, lifestyle modifications, and — in more advanced cases — medical procedures targeting the underlying cause of the condition.

“Dry eye is not one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Liang said. “A 28-year-old software developer and a 60-year-old with an autoimmune condition may both have dry eye, but the causes and the dry eye treatment approach are completely different. That’s why the assessment matters so much.”

Dr. Liang also cautions that many younger patients delay seeking professional care because they assume their symptoms are temporary or can be managed with store-bought drops. She notes that untreated dry eye can worsen, potentially leading to corneal damage and chronic discomfort that becomes increasingly difficult to treat over time.

Dr. Lili Optometry recently relocated to a new office at Unit 401, 1338 W. Broadway in Vancouver’s Broadway Pacific Plaza, effective December 2025, and continues to accept new patients for comprehensive eye exams, dry eye treatment, contact lens fittings, and other services. As an optometrist in Vancouver serving the Broadway corridor, Dr. Liang offers personalized care to patients of all ages.

Vancouver residents experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms are encouraged to book a comprehensive assessment rather than relying on self-treatment. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling the clinic directly.

About Dr. Lili Optometry

Dr. Lili Optometry is a boutique optometry practice located at 1338 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC, founded by optometrist in Vancouver Dr. Lili Liang. The practice provides comprehensive eye exams, dry eye treatment, contact lens fittings, myopia management, pre- and post-laser surgery care, and medical ocular care. Dr. Liang and her team are committed to personalized, evidence-based eye care for patients across the Vancouver area.

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Unit 401 – 1338 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC