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WHAT IS DRY EYE
WHAT IS DRY EYE
Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that up to 30% of adults over the age of 50 experience symptoms of dry eye disease. The prevalence is also higher in women, with one study reporting that up to 17% of women over the age of 50 have moderate to severe dry eye disease.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
The symptoms of dry eye disease can vary from person to person, but commonly include:
The symptoms of dry eye disease can vary from person to person, but commonly include:
- A dry, gritty, or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Redness and inflammation of the eyes
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing, as a result of the eye's reflex response to dryness
- Eye fatigue or discomfort after prolonged periods of reading, watching TV, or using a computer
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
These symptoms can be uncomfortable and can negatively impact a person’s quality of life, including work performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Risks and Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition. As people get older, their eyes naturally produce fewer tears, making them more susceptible to dry eye disease. Women are more likely to develop dry eye disease than men, likely due to hormonal changes associated with menopause and certain birth control methods. Certain medical conditions and medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause or exacerbate dry eye disease.
Association between dry eye and the aesthetic world
Dry eye syndrome can be associated with certain skin conditions, such as rosacea, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It is also worsened by various skin condition medications, such as accutane. Since the eyelids are an extension of the skin, many skin conditions can also manifest in the eyes.
Many elective surgeries, such as cosmetic eyelid surgery and LASIK, can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms. If you are considering these procedures in the future, make sure you get a thorough evaluation of your eyelids and tear film prior to surgery to prevent unwanted outcomes. Don’t forget about elective procedures such as eyeliner tattoo and eyelash extensions! They’re doing more damage than you might think.
Beauty products and skin products can also have an impact on skin conditions, either by exacerbating existing conditions or by causing new ones. Makeup, facial cleansers, retinols, makeup brush hygiene, and even how you apply makeup can all have long term effects on the health of the eyes.
It’s not all bad news! And that is why Clear Eyes + Aesthetics was created. We believe that you can have the aesthetic results you desire, without sacrificing your ocular health and vision. Makeup removing products exist that work well, help your lashes grow, and help maintain your eyelid hygiene! Cosmetic lines exist that were formulated by eyecare professionals! Procedures such as IPL and radiofrequency can actually help both your aesthetics and ocular health! Think of it as “therapeutic beauty”. Let us bridge the gap between beauty and health.
Long-Term Risks of Untreated Dry Eye Disease
If left untreated, dry eye disease can lead to several long-term complications, including:
- Corneal damage: Chronic dryness can damage the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped layer that covers the front of the eye, leading to vision loss and nerve damage.
- Eye infections: Dryness can make the eyes more vulnerable to infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye).
- Eyelid inflammation: Dry eye disease can cause inflammation of the eyelids, leading to discomfort, redness, and swelling.
In addition to these complications, untreated dry eye disease can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, including difficulty performing daily tasks, decreased work productivity, and reduced social interactions. Studies have shown that dry eye disease can cause a decrease in quality of life, comparable with patients in dialysis, severe angina, and disabling hip fractures
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