I just read an article about the Dry Eye epidemic.
What are dry eyes?
- itchy
- scratchy
- sensitive to bring light
- uncomfortable contact lenses
- watering eyes
- burning eyes
- eye redness
- stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- feels like “something is in your eye”
- Blurry vision or eye fatigue
There has been an increase in the number of Americans who have Dry Eye Disease (DED). They estimate 16 -22 million people have it. They state 86% of cases are because the meibomian glands (which lubricate the eye) aren’t working right. Some of it is genetic. But they state during the pandemic, the rates skyrocketed. Why?
- People are indoors more
- More interactions are virtual- so people are on the computer. People tend not to blink as much when looking at screens, which makes dry eyes worse.
- Stress also seems to worse dry eyes.
- The more screen time = higher risk of dry eyes.
- Age. (The older you are the higher the risk.)
- Women have 2X higher risk than men.
- Other risks: overwearing contact lenses, cosmetics, weather
What can you do?
- Warm compresses
- Massage to remove build up of glands
- Diet: increase omega 3, flax seed, and fish oil.
- Limit screen time
- Fresh air.
- 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes look up for 20 seconds and focus on an object 20 feet away.
- Use eye drops or lubrication
- Remove contacts
Why am I writing about this?
Dry eyes are important to know about before doing eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty surgery, particularly lower eyelid surgery, can make dry eye symptoms worse. Usually, the worsening of dry eyes is temporary and improves with time after surgery back to normal levels. There are things I do during eyelid surgery, like tightening the lower lid, which actually helps PROTECT the eye. I have some patients whose dry eyes improved after blepharoplasty due to this tightening.
As will all things, how dry your eyes are and how much of an issue it is varies.