Dry Eye Statistics

It has been estimated that worldwide we have 40 million people with dry eyes worldwide. At least 16 million people have chronic dry eye syndrome in United States. With the introduction of computing and mobile phone devices, we expect chronic dry eye cases to increase over exponentially over the next 10-15 years.

Severe dry eye is relatively common within the United States, especially so in older people. . Specifically, the persons most likely to be affected by dry eyes are those aged 40 or older.

While persons with autoimmune diseases have a high likelihood of having dry eyes, most persons with dry eyes do not have an autoimmune disease. Instances of Sjogren syndrome and dry eyes associated with it are present much more commonly in women, with a ratio of 9:1. In addition, milder forms of dry eyes also are more common in women. This is partly because hormonal changes, such as those that occur in pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, can decrease tear production.

In areas of the world where malnutrition is common, vitamin A deficiency is a common cause. This is rare in the United States.

Racial predilections do not exist for this disease

Helpful References:

  1. Dry Eye syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients]
    Cesk Slov Oftalmol. 2007; 63(6):422-30(ISSN: 1211-9059) The clinical and echographic features of tear in the dry eye]
  2. Vestn Oftalmol. 2007; 123(3):30-6(ISSN: 0042-465X Autologous serum in the management of recalcitrant Dry Eye.
  3. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2008; 36(2):119-22(ISSN: 1442-9071) Effect of anti-inflammatory therapy on the treatment of Dry Eye]
  4. Klin Oczna. 2007; 109(1-3):79-84(ISSN: 0023-2157) Serum growth factor analysis in Dry Eye.
  5. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2008; 36(8):717-20(ISSN: 1442-9071 Dry eye syndrome in diabetic children
  6. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2007; 17(6):873-8(ISSN: 1120-6721)Dry Eye and regression after laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia
  7. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2004; 30(3):675-84(ISSN: 0886-3350) Long-term resolution of chronic Dry Eye and signs after topical treatment
  8. Ophthalmology. 2007; 114(1):76-9(ISSN: 1549-4713)
    Dry Eye and blepharitis: approaching the patient with chronic eye irritation.
  9. Geriatrics. 2009; 64(6):22-6(ISSN: 1936-5764) Dry Eye Feel better, Look Better, See Better On the road to dry eye relief, many people often miss this crucial step.
  10. Dry Eye Relief The information presented in this eMedTV article includes suggestions for dry eye relief in both mild and severe cases. Suggestions range from avoiding sources of irritation to eyes.
  11. Dry Eye Relief The information presented in this eMedTV article includes suggestions for dry eye relief in both mild and severe cases. Suggestions range from avoiding ...eyes
  12. Johns Hopkins: Vision|Eye Care on dry eye relief: Johns Hopkins Apr 17, ... Johns Hopkins Health Alerts on Vision|Eye Care reports on causes, symptoms and treatments of dry eye, using other remedy.