Prevent Blindness Declares July as Dry Eye Awareness Month to Provide Information on Issue that Affects Nearly 16 Million Americans

-Non-profit Group, Prevent Blindness, Provides New Web Resource, Fact Sheets, Graphics to Educate Public on Dry Eye Symptoms, Treatment Options, and More-

CHICAGO (June 29, 2021) – Nearly 16 million Americans have dry eye, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). Dry eye occurs when there is not enough tear film produced, the tear film Is not draining properly from the eye, or the tear film is not the quality needed to maintain the health of the eye. Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest non-profit eye health organization, has declared July as Dry Eye Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public on risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.

Prevent Blindness has created a new web resource at https://preventblindness.org/understanding-dry-eye/ that offers free information on dry eye as well as downloadable fact sheets in English and Spanish. Shareable social media graphics are also available. Users are asked to use the hashtag #InYourEyes when posting on social media. OCuSOFT ^® Inc., a privately-held eye and skincare company dedicated to innovation in eyelid hygiene and ocular health, is partnering with Prevent Blindness in support of July’s Dry Eye Awareness Month.

There are many symptoms of dry eye, such as burning or stinging sensation in the eye, a gritty or sandy feeling, redness and inflammation, and increased sensitivity to light. Additionally, those with dry eye experience extreme sensitivity, especially to cigarette smoke, including exposure to second-hand smoke. The NEI also states that if severe dry eye is not effectively treated, it can sometimes damage the cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of the eye.

Because dry eye is fairly common, there are many risk factors for dry eye, including:

•          Being more than 50 years old
•          Refractive surgery (for example, Lasik)
•          Inflammation of the eyelids
•          Environmental conditions, such as allergies, or a dry climate
•          Wearing contact lenses
•          Certain medications (including those used to treat eye conditions such as glaucoma)
•          Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and certain other autoimmune diseases

Additionally, women are twice as likely to develop dry eye than men. Women who are pregnant, on certain types of birth control, hormone replacement therapy, or experiencing menopause are also more likely to have dry eye.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology also states that diabetes and thyroid dysfunction can cause dry eye. Increased screen time on devices also contributes to dry eye symptoms.

“Fortunately, dry eye is highly treatable and there are many steps your eye doctor can recommend to get relief, including diet or lifestyle changes, using over-the-counter eye drops or ointments, or taking prescription medications,” said Stephanie Marioneaux, MD, cornea and external disease specialist, assistant professor at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, and member of the Prevent Blindness volunteer board of directors. “The best way to protect your vision is to get a comprehensive eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy today and you can take care of your sight in the future.”

For more information on dry eye, please call Prevent Blindness at (800) 331-2020, or visit https://preventblindness.org/understanding-dry-eye/. 

About Prevent Blindness

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness 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 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, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at preventblindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Sarah Hecker, Director of Marketing

Phone: (312) 363-6035

Email: shecker@preventblindness.org

About OCuSOFT, Inc.

OCuSOFT Inc. is a privately-held Richmond, TX USA-based eye and skincare company with an established reputation for innovation, particularly in Ocular Surface Disease (OSD). Since 1986, OCuSOFT® has served the ophthalmic industry with a unique selection of proprietary brands and has recently been rapidly expanding its presence in the skincare market. OCuSOFT®, most recognized for its #1 Doctor Recommended Brand of Eyelid Cleansers, OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub®, is dedicated to improving each patient's health by providing the highest quality products. For more information, please call 800-233-5469 or visit www.ocusoft.com.

Contact: Troy Smith, Vice President Sales & Marketing

Phone: 800-233-5469

Email: tsmith@ocusoft.com