July is Dry Eye Awareness Month

June 2025

Dry Eye Awareness Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This month-long observance aims to educate the public about the symptoms, causes and treatment options, encouraging individuals to seek proper diagnosis and care.

Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:

• Age: Tear production naturally decreases as you get older
• Hormonal changes: Especially during menopause
• Medications: Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can lead to dry eyes
• Environmental conditions: Wind, smoke, and dry climates can exacerbate the problem
• Prolonged use of digital screens: Spending long hours on computers or smartphones can strain your eyes

Importance of awareness

Dry Eye Awareness Month is crucial for educating the public about the prevalence and impact of dry eye. Nearly 16 million Americans¹ suffer from dry eye. By understanding the condition, members can take proactive steps to manage it effectively and improve their quality of life.

Managing dry eye involves several strategies:

• Artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can help keep your eyes moist
• Avoiding air conditioning and fans: These can dry out your eyes
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain tear production
• Taking breaks from digital devices: Reducing screen time can alleviate eye strain

We created a free COPE accredited Dry Eye CE course called Treatment Options for Ocular Anterior Surface Disease. The course examines the multiple parts of eye anatomy whose dysfunction may contribute to dry eye, identifies complications that can result when dry eye is left untreated and reviews optimal treatment options and updates on newer and emerging targeted treatments ― with a focus on providing relief and preventing further damage to the eye.