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The risk of Dry Eye increases with age. Other risk factors include patients who have undergone refractive surgery (such as LASIK), have severe allergies, are on certain medications, or are contact lens wearers. Those with rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases are also at increased risk.
Women are also more likely to develop Dry Eye. Approximately 6 million have moderate to severe symptoms of dry eye syndrome, as compared to 3 million men, according to the National Women’s Health Resource Center.
Women who are pregnant, on certain types of birth control, or experiencing menopause have increased rates of Dry Eye. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, women who are on hormone replacement therapy are also more likely to experience symptoms. Women taking only estrogen are 70 percent more likely to experience Dry Eye, and those taking estrogen and progesterone have a 30 percent increased risk of developing the condition.
As part of April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness month, Prevent Blindness America offers the following tips on helping to avoid irritation from Dry Eye:
· Use a humidifier to keep natural moisture in the air
· Avoid hair dryers, harsh winds, overly warm rooms and cigarette smoke
· When outdoors, wear goggles or sunglasses that wrap around the
eyes
· Use drops of artificial tears, if directed by your doctor, especially in climates with low humidity, in air conditioned environments, and in airplanes or cars when the heater or defroster is on.
· When using a computer, remember to blink often and give eyes a rest from staring at the screen
· Apply a warm washcloth to soothe irritated eyes
· Do not use harsh soaps or cleansers on around the eye area
“Not only do more women have Dry Eye, they are also more likely to develop eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. And, because of increased longevity, women are more likely to develop macular degeneration,” said Lynn K Gordon, MD, PhD, president of the national organization, Women in Ophthalmology. “It is imperative that women of every age make an appointment with their eye doctor as soon as possible to ensure that they are protecting their vision for the future.”
For more information on Dry Eye or other eye diseases or conditions with higher incidence rates in women, please contact Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or visit preventblindness.org.
About Prevent Blindness America
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, Prevent Blindness America is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020. Or, visit us on the Web at preventblindness.org or facebook.com/preventblindness.
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