July is Dry Eye Awareness month and your symptoms could be due to dry eye.

Dry eye disease is a prevalent and sometimes debilitating condition due to inadequate lubrication or rapid evaporation from the surface of the eye. It can cause blurry vision, discomfort, redness, and a chronic gritty sensation. The prevalence of dry eye disease in the United States is estimated to affect over 16 million adults. This might be an underestimate, as many people may not seek medical attention for milder symptoms. The impact of dry eye disease is more than simple discomfort; it can impair many daily activities such as reading, driving, and working on a computer. It is considered a chronic pain condition and can deteriorate one’s quality of life.

Causes of dry eye can be numerous, including even a fan, heater, or air conditioner near your bed while sleeping. Wearing contact lenses or prolonged computer and cellphone use can also be culprits. Lastly, eye surgeries, such as LASIK and cataract surgery, are known to worsen dry eye symptoms. Patients undergoing these procedures are advised to optimize their dry eye before surgery to minimize issues afterwards. Addressing any dryness before surgery is also critical for the ophthalmologist to get the most accurate measurements for the best chance at good vision after surgery. The good news is, with proper management before and after surgery, the symptoms of dry eye can be minimal to none.

There are various treatments for dry eye and they must be customized for every patient depending on the severity. Initial therapies can include over-the-counter medications, such as artificial tears that can relieve symptoms by lubricating the surface of the eye. If these do not adequately control symptoms, prescription medications, such as cyclosporine (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra) among others, can be used to increase natural tear production and reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye. For some individuals, even these treatments are not sufficient however. This can be due to underlying medical conditions, such as Sjogren’s disease or thyroid imbalances. These patients and others who are dissatisfied with their symptoms can benefit from treatments such as amniotic membrane application. These can protect the cornea, reduce inflammation, and promote regeneration of the eye’s surface. For those patients struggling despite consistent use of eyedrops, these and other therapies can be game changing.

Thankfully, there are a multitude of treatments available to alleviate dry eye. With a comprehensive and tailored approach from an eyecare specialist, your dry eye symptoms can be better by next July.

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