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Dry eye disease affects over 35 million Americans, but many people don't realize their symptoms point to the condition.
Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ashley Brissette said dry eye can stem from several causes.
"Dry eye disease is a very common condition. It actually affects over 35 million Americans. And dry eye can be caused from either not producing enough tears, your tears evaporating too fast, or it not being a good quality of tear on the surface of the eye."
Brissette said aging, hormonal changes, environment, and screen time are all contributing factors, and the condition is especially common in women over the age of 50.
Symptoms aren't always what people expect.
"Dry doesn't always just feel dry. It can also feel like irritation. It can feel like even blurry vision."
While many people associate dry eye with winter months, Brissette said the condition can flare up year-round.
"We often think of it as being more common during the winter months because the air is more cold and windy and lower humidity in the air, but it can really occur at all times of year. I mean, even recently with some of the heat wave that we've been having that traps pollutants in the air, which can lead to further eye irritation. And then you come inside and the air conditioning is blowing and that can cause your eyes to feel more dry."
Brissette recommends keeping artificial tears on hand for consistent access to relief. She has partnered with Refresh brand, the number one doctor-recommended brand for temporary relief of dry eye, to raise awareness during Dry Eye Awareness Month this July.
For those with more sensitive or severe symptoms, Brissette said over-the-counter drops may not always be enough, and that treatment options vary based on the severity and type of symptoms a patient experiences.
She highlighted one specific product as a strong option for sensitive eyes.
"I really like to talk to my patients about one specific drop called the Refresh Optive Mega-3 preservative-free multi-dose. And what that means is that it's preservative-free. So, especially if you're someone who has more sensitive and dry eyes, this can be a great option.
And the multi-dose bottle keeps everything sterile. But it's also very easy to use. So very effective and safe. And some patients can get even more than ten hours of relief from using these drops."
Brissette said patients whose symptoms persist or worsen should consult a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
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