If you’ve ever experienced the uncomfortable sensation of gritty, dry eyes, you understand how bothersome it can be. Dry eyes can affect anyone, with over 16 million Americans diagnosed with dry eye disease. The condition can range from a mild annoyance to a significant impact on your quality of life, and many more cases go undiagnosed. Symptoms of dry eye disease include eye pain, discomfort, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Left untreated, the condition can worsen over time, potentially leading to disabling symptoms that affect daily life. To learn more about the causes and treatment options for dry eye disease, visit HealthyWomen.org.
What happens to your eyes when you have dry eye disease?
When working correctly, glands near your eye produce tears that spread over the eye to provide moisture and protection. They also carry over 2,000 proteins and nutrients to help the eye repair itself. If one or more layers of the tear film aren’t working correctly, it can lead to dry eye disease. There are two types: evaporative and aqueous-deficient. Evaporative dry eye disease means tears dry out too quickly, while aqueous-deficient dry eye disease occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough tears. Visit HealthyWomen.org for more information.
Who is at risk for dry eye disease?
Individuals with health conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk for dry eye disease. It’s also more common in people over age 50, and those assigned female at birth (AFAB). Visit HealthyWomen.org to learn more about risk factors.
Did you know?
Race and ethnicity may influence the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease. Research shows that dry eye disease is more common in people of Asian descent, and certain environmental factors can also increase the risk. Learn more about environmental factors and other risk factors here.
What are the symptoms of dry eye disease?
People with dry eye disease might experience a variety of symptoms, including redness, stinging, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and fatigue. To see a full list of symptoms, visit HealthyWomen.org.
What dry eye treatments are available?
While artificial tears have been a common treatment, there are other non-prescription and prescription options available. These treatments can help boost tear production or alleviate dry eyes in various ways. Learn more about these treatments, as well as potential vitamin supplements for dry eye disease, here.
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This educational resource was created with support from the More Real. More Substance. YouTube Channel from the Viatris Eye Care Division.
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