How Many People Are Affected By Dry Eye?
Introduction
Dry eyes affect a lot of people but there are treatments available to improve your quality of life.
According to statistics, dry eyes occur in between 5% and 20% of the population.
According to the Dry Eye Association, dry eye occurs in between 5% and 20% of the population. The most common symptoms that accompany dry eyes are:
- Pain in or around your eyes
- Burning sensation or stinging around your eyes
- Watery eyes (tearing)
- Blurry vision if the cornea is affected by a lack of moisture
Dry eye is more common among women (especially post-menopausal) than men.
Men are less likely to seek treatment for dry eye, and as such, they’re also less likely to report any symptoms of dry eye. But that doesn’t mean that men don’t experience it.
In fact, men are more likely than women to report problems with their vision due to dry eyes. Men tend to have an increase in symptoms during allergy season when pollen levels are high—something that women may not have as much trouble with because hormones play a part in how the body responds to allergens.
People aged over 50 are most likely to experience dry eyes.
You’re not alone if you experience dry eye symptoms. Research shows that the majority of people who experience dry eye are over 50 years old. According to the National Eye Institute, women are more likely than men to have a condition called “Meibomian Gland Dysfunction” (MGD). MGD causes lipids and oil secretions from your meibomian glands to build up inside your lids, blocking their openings, which leads to inflammation and chronic tears retention.
If you have diabetes or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, it’s more likely that you will develop dry eye symptoms as well. Having a family history of autoimmune disease can increase your chances for developing dry eyes too.
It’s estimated that up to 40% of people aged between 50 and 70 have dry eye problems.
You’re in good company, human. It’s estimated that up to 40% of people aged between 50 and 70 have dry eye problems.
It’s common knowledge that dry eye is more prevalent among women than men and among older people than younger people, but did you know that it’s also more common in people who live in warm, dry climates?
People living in warm and especially dry or dusty climates are at higher risk of developing dry eye symptoms.
People living in warm and especially dry or dusty climates are at higher risk of developing dry eye symptoms. Dry climates can be found in many places, including the United States, Australia, and Europe.
The most common cause of dry eye is tear film instability. This happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep them moist.
Dry eyes affect a lot of people but there are treatments available to improve your quality of life.
Dry eyes are a common condition but thankfully, there are treatments available to improve your quality of life. Dry eye can affect your vision and cause symptoms that make you feel uncomfortable. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately:
- Itchy or scratchy eyes
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
Conclusion
If you think that you might have dry eye, it’s important that you see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Dry eyes can be treated with artificial tears or eye drops which works well when used regularly. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications such as antihistamines or steroids if these do not work for you.