More than 16 million Americans are affected by dry eye disease, however, the actual number of individuals dealing with this condition may be higher. The disease is more common in women and those assigned female at birth than in men and those assigned male at birth. Diagnosis of dry eye disease can be challenging, leading to confusion and misinformation. To clarify common questions about dry eye disease, optometrist Katherine Rachon, O.D., from Virginia Eye Consultants provides insight.
Dry eye disease is a condition that affects the tear film, the fluid layers that protect and moisturize the eyes. It can result in symptoms such as redness, tearing, itching, blurred vision, and redness of the eyelids. There are two main types of dry eye disease: aqueous-deficient and evaporative.
Factors such as age, biological sex, medication use, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases can contribute to the development of dry eye disease. Proper production of the three layers of tears (aqueous, lipid, and mucus) is essential for maintaining eye health.
Cosmetics containing parabens can aggravate dry eye symptoms by irritating the eyes and clogging tear film glands. The long-term complications of dry eye disease include blurry vision and increased risk of eye infections.
Treatment options for dry eye disease have expanded, but insurance coverage may vary. Preparation for eye care appointments should include keeping a symptom journal and documenting previous treatment attempts. Dry eye disease can be difficult to treat due to individual variability in response to treatments.
For further information on dry eye disease, visit the More Real. More Substance. YouTube Channel. This educational resource was sponsored by Viatris, Inc.
