Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common condition that causes itchiness, redness, blurry vision, and eye strain among other things. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.
However, dry eyes aren’t just a nuisance. DES can potentially damage the ocular surface, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life.
In this article, we’ll explore the prevalence of DES and how it varies depending on different factors. We’ll also examine the most common treatments for DES and their effectiveness in managing the condition.
Prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome
Approximately 5% to 34% of the adult population experiences symptoms of dry eye syndrome. This wide range is due to differences in diagnostic criteria and study populations.
A study conducted in the United States found that an estimated 16.4 million adults (6.8% of the population) have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. However, there are variations in prevalence depending on age and gender:
Age Variation
- The prevalence of dry eye syndrome increases with age, with a notable increase in individuals over the age of 50.
- One study found that about 19% of adults aged 75 and older reported dry eye symptoms.
- One study reported that the prevalence of DES was 11.4% in adults aged 21 to 49, 17.9% in those aged 50-64, and 27.2% in those aged 65 and older.
Gender Variation
- Women are nearly twice as likely to experience dry eye syndrome as men.
- Hormonal changes, particularly those related to menopause, are a significant factor contributing to this disparity.
- A study conducted in Spain found that the prevalence of dry eye syndrome was 11.0% in women and 5.0% in men.
Risk Factors and Their Impact on Dry Eye Syndrome
Certain risk factors, such as contact lens use and autoimmune disorders, can significantly increase the prevalence of dry eye syndrome.
Contact Lens Use
- Among contact lens users, the prevalence of dry eye syndrome is notable, with 34.8% experiencing dry eye symptoms in one study.
- Daily contact lens users show a higher prevalence of dry eye symptoms (48.8%) than annual users (25%).
- The use of contact lenses can lead to a reduction in tear production and an increase in tear evaporation, contributing to the development of dry eye syndrome.
Autoimmune Disorders
Individuals with autoimmune disorders exhibit even higher rates of dry eye syndrome compared to contact lens users.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): 38 to 47%
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): 13.4 to 39.5%
- Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS): 95%
- Systemic Sclerosis (SSc): 37 to 79%
The high rates of dry eye syndrome in patients with autoimmune disorders are due to the systemic nature of these diseases. These diseases often cause chronic inflammation and dysfunction of the lacrimal glands, conjunctiva, cornea, and meibomian glands.
Common Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome
The treatment for DES varies based on the severity and underlying causes of the condition. Here are the most common treatments and their effectiveness:
- Artificial tears. Used for mild DES and are effective for many patients, providing temporary relief from symptoms.
- Prescription eye drops. Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra) are used in more severe cases to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
- Punctal occlusion. Involves inserting plugs into the tear ducts and is effective for patients whose eyes do not produce enough tears.
- Advanced therapies. Approaches such as autologous serum eye drops, specialty contact lenses, and eyelid thermal pulsation technology are highly effective for severe cases, especially when personalized.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. This procedure can significantly improve tear breakup and relieve dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
Additionally, lifestyle changes can help manage dry eye symptoms. These include using a humidifier, avoiding smoke, not using air conditioners, limiting screen time, and staying hydrated.
Warm compresses and lid scrubs can also help unblock the meibomian glands to manage blepharitis, one of the causes of dry eye.
Lifestyle Factors and the Rising Prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome
Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing dry eyes.
- Prolonged screen time with computers, smartphones, and other digital devices has been linked to a higher risk of DES.
- A study conducted in Japan found that office workers who spent more than 8 hours per day using visual display terminals had a significantly higher prevalence of DES compared to those who spent less than 4 hours per day.
- Air pollutants can also lead to inflammation and a higher risk of DES. Studies show that individuals living in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to experience dry eye symptoms than those in less polluted environments.
The combination of these factors can exacerbate the risk of DES.
Complications of Untreated Dry Eye Syndrome
Untreated DES can lead to various complications that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and visual function, including
- Corneal ulcers
- Conjunctivitis
- Vision loss
Overall, dry eye syndrome is a prevalent and common condition that affects a significant portion of the adult population. However, with the right treatment, it is treatable.
In this article
