Dry eye disease is quite common, affecting an estimated 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population. This makes it one of the most frequent reasons people seek consultation with an eye doctor.
Here's a breakdown of the prevalence:
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Significant Impact: Dry eye isn't just a minor annoyance for many; it can significantly affect their quality of life, impacting activities like reading, working on a computer, and even driving.
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Varied Severity: The severity of dry eye can range from mild, occasional discomfort to chronic and debilitating symptoms.
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Rising Prevalence: Some studies suggest the prevalence of dry eye is increasing, possibly due to factors like increased screen time, environmental changes, and an aging population.
Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms like burning, stinging, scratchiness, or blurred vision that improves with blinking, it's worthwhile to consult with an eye care professional to determine if you have dry eye disease and discuss appropriate treatment options.
