With an estimated 16.4 million cases across the country, dry eye (DED) affects approximately 6.8% of adults in the US.1 Given its prevalence, it is important that your patients understand the fundamentals of the condition. Here are 6 things you want to share with them.
1. Decreased tear production is a common cause of dry eye
There are several reasons a person may be unable to produce enough tears2:
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- aging
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and scleroderma
- Medications (such as certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and decongestants)
- Nerve damage
- Use of contact lenses, which can lead to desensitization of the corneal nerves
2. Increased tear evaporation is another common cause
The meibomian glands (oil glands on the edge of the eyelids that produce oil that helps tear tears) can become clogged. As a result, tear evaporation can occur2.
3. Dry eye symptoms vary
Typical dry eye symptoms include2:
- Stinging or burning
- A scratchy feeling, as if something got stuck in the eye
- Redness in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Photosensitivity
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive watery eyes (the body’s reaction to dry eyes)
- Eye fatigue
4. Diet can affect the likelihood of dry eye disease
Foods high in vitamin A like carrots, broccoli, beef liver, mango, and dried apricots can help fight dry eyes. It can also be beneficial to avoid foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, oysters, and walnuts)
5. Dry eye is more common in women and older age groups
Research published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that women (8.8%) are twice as likely to be diagnosed with dry eye as men (4.5%). The likelihood of developing the disease increases with age: Only 2.7% of 18- to 34-year-olds are estimated to have KCS compared to nearly 1 in 5 people aged 75 and older
6. Several simple steps can reduce the likelihood of dry eye in your patient
There are several steps your patients can take, including:
- Prevent air from blowing directly into the eyes (e.g. fans, air conditioners, hair dryers)
- Use a humidifier to add moisture indoors
- wear safety glasses
- Take breaks from reading, working, and other tasks that require long periods of focus
- Avoid smoking or being around smokers
- Use eye drops to keep eyes moisturized
- Position the computer screen below eye level to make sure your eyes don’t open quite that wide
References
1. Farrand KF, Fridman M, Stillman IO, Schaumberg DA. Prevalence of diagnosed dry eye in the United States in adults aged 18 years and over. Am J Ophthalmol. 2017; 182: 90-98. doi: 10.1016 / j.ajo.2017.06.033.
2. Dry eyes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863. Published September 24, 2020. Accessed August 2, 2021.
This article originally appeared on Ophthalmology Advisor
