Occasional dry eye affects millions of Americans. It's estimated that just under 5 million people suffer from occasional dry eye, but many more may be suffering in silence. A 2013study found that 6 million people were had symptoms of occasional dry eye but didn’t realize it. If you or someone you know suffers from occasional dry eye, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Age Matters

When it comes to occasional dry eye, age is a big factor. It becomes more prominent in older people, but the number of young people with symptoms is on the rise. Many believe that the reason more and more young people are developing occasional dry eye is because of all the time spent on screens.

Gender Matters

Another factor is gender. More women suffer from occasional dry eye than men. As women age, they go through hormonal changes that can be blamed for the lack of optimal eye health.

Contact Lenses Matter

If you wear contact lenses, you’re much more likely to experience dryness and irritation. Many contact lens wearers will stop using their contacts because of the discomfort due to occasional dry eye.

Occasional Dry Eye Symptoms

• Dryness
• Irritation
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Blurry vision
• Burning
• Grittiness
• Watery eyes
• A consistent feeling of something in the eye

Causes of Occasional Dry Eye

Poor quality tears tend to be the cause of occasional dry eye. The tear film, the water, oil, and lipid layers that keep your eyes comfortable and lubricated, is delicate, and any dysfunction within its layers can cause problems and lead to symptoms of occasional dry eye. Some other causes include:

• Medical conditions and medications
• Auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or Sjogren’s syndrome
• Surgeries
• Refractive eye surgeries like LASIK or cataract surgery
• Environmental conditions
• Dry, windy, and/or smokey environments
• Looking at digital screens
• Seasonal changes (i.e. seasonal allergies)

The Damage Done

Occasional dry eye is more than just discomfort. If occasional dry eye gets bad enough without the proper care, it can cause damage to the surface of your eye, or your cornea. Once the damage is done, the discomfort worsens, and it becomes a larger issue than “just dry eyes.”

Solutions for Occasional Dry Eye

There are several ways to address occasional dry eye: Drops: the go-to relief for people suffering from occasional dry eye, but they are often only temporary and need reapplication several times a day. Moist Heat Compress Masks: To help get the glands in the eyes that make the tear film going, some eye care professionals will recommend using a warm eye compress. Eyelid Washes: Typically available in spray bottles, these acid washes are intended to thoroughly clean your eyelids and lashes so there are no irritants. Nutrition: Many eye doctors will recommend nutrition intervention. A diet lacking in Omega-3s, Vitamin A, and a number of other ingredients can lead to occasional dry eye. Taking a vitamin designed specifically for occasional dry eye can help bring relief from the inside out. EyePromise created EZ Tears with high-quality fish oil plus 7 additional ingredients that work together to bring you relief in 30 days guaranteed or your money back. Learn more about EyePromise EZ Tears.  

Sources

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/chronic-dry-eyes-statistics-facts-and-you#1
2. https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/new-study-dry-eye-disease
3. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/article/understanding-prevalence-demographics-dry-eye-disease
4. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dry-eye-disease
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28705660
6. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye