Keep eyes healthy by recognizing, treating dry eye symptoms

Nearly 16 million Americans have dry eye, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). Dry eye occurs when there is not enough tear film produced, the tear film is not draining properly from the eye, or the tear film is not the quality needed to maintain the health of the eye. If left untreated, dry eye can cause damage to the cornea.

In an effort to educate the public on dry eye, Prevent Blindness Ohio has declared July as “Dry Eye Awareness Month.” 

For the third consecutive year, OCuSOFT Inc., a privately-held eye and skin care company dedicated to innovation in eyelid hygiene and ocular health, is partnering with Prevent Blindness Ohio in support of Dry Eye Awareness Month.

 Risk factors for dry eye include:

• Being more than 50 years old

• Hormonal changes

• Refractive surgery (for example, Lasik)

• Inflammation of the eyelids

• Environmental conditions, such as allergies, exposure to smoke, or a dry climate

• Prolonged use of digital screens, such as computers

• Wearing contact lenses

Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and certain other autoimmune diseases are also contributors.

Additionally, taking certain medicines increases the risk of dry eye. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these include diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure, beta-blockers for heart problems or high blood pressure, allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines), sleeping pills, anxiety and antidepressant medicines, and heartburn medicines. Patients must inform their eyecare professional of all medications they are taking in order to treat dry eye and other eye conditions effectively.

“Dry eye is a serious condition that may have long-term effects on eye health, if left untreated,” said Amy Pulles, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio. “We encourage patients to talk with their eye doctors about their dry eye symptoms, and work together to form an effective treatment plan to keep eyes healthy for years to come.”

For more information on dry eye, visit PreventBlindness.org/understanding-dry-eye, or contact Prevent Blindness Ohio at 800-301-2020 or pbohio.org