Fact vs Fiction: Clarifying
Dry Eye Myths
Dry, gritty eyes? Read on.
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There are many possible misconceptions about dry eye disease (also known as dry eye syndrome), so let's clear up four common myths.
MYTH #1
Dry eye is easily detected.
Symptoms of dry eye disease may vary — for example, your eyes may itch or burn. It may not be obvious that you have the condition. Learn more about symptoms that may be associated with dry eye disease by taking our dry eye assessment.
MYTH #2
Dry eyes only affect a very small proportion of the population.
It is estimated that, in 2008, approximately 30 million Americans had symptoms consistent with dry eye disease.* That's a lot!
In addition, approximately 16.4 million people were estimated to be diagnosed with dry eye disease.
According to estimates from the 2013 National Health and Wellness Survey (self-administered, internet-based questionnaire) of 75,000 US adults, approximately 6.8% had been diagnosed, corresponding to ~16.4 million people in the US population.
The first step is talking to an eye care professional. Schedule a virtual consult or find an eye care professional near you.
MYTH #3
Dry eye relief can be hard to find.
Dry eye disease is chronic and may be progressive. Artificial tears typically work by lubricating the eyes and may provide temporary relief. As a next step for the management and treatment of dry eye disease, your doctor may recommend a prescription treatment like Xiidra, which targets a source of inflammation that can cause dry eye disease. In clinical studies, Xiidra was shown to reduce symptoms and may provide lasting symptom relief for some patients with continued twice-daily use.†
Make sure to talk to an eye care professional to learn about the treatment that is best for you.
MYTH #4
Dry eye disease is just part of life and not impacted by specific triggers.
Dry eye disease is complicated and has many possible causes. It can be brought on by one or more of the following:
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Living in environments with low humidity
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Certain systemic or oral medications
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Wearing contact lenses
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Prolonged screen time
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Aging
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Medications such as antihistamines
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Changes in hormones
Getting Help for Dry Eye Disease
Getting Help for Dry Eye Disease
A comprehensive eye examination may determine if you have dry eye disease— Schedule a virtual consult or find an eye care professional near you.
Discussion may include:
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Sharing your symptoms with your doctor
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Evaluation of the surface of your eye and tear film
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An external eye examination
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An evaluation of the eyelids and cornea
When you're ready to talk with the doctor, complete this conversation starter to help guide you.
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*Calculated using 14.5% prevalence of dry eye symptoms found among 3275 participants (21 to 84 years of age) in the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS; 2005-2008) and the estimated total population in the United States between 20 and 84 years of age in 2008 (according to US Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2008).
†Xiidra reduced symptoms of eye dryness for some patients at 2 weeks in 2 out of the 4 studies, with improvement seen at 6 and 12 weeks in all 4 studies.