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Posted by: Georgia Eye Partners in News and Updates

Dry eye syndrome is believed to be one of the most common eye conditions in the United States, especially among women over the age of 40. Dry eye has several risk factors and is caused by numerous etiologies including inflammation, lid gland dysfunction, increased age, gender, systemic disease, medication side effects, and a change in hormones. Dry eye can result in eye discomfort, burning, itching, light sensitivity, and even loss of vision.

Researchers believe an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone is responsible for the increased risk of dry eye syndrome in women. While testosterone, the male hormone, is beneficial to the tear glands, estrogen may inhibit cell growth in the tear glands, leading to dry eye syndrome. Estimates suggest 1 in 20 women over the age of 50 and 1 in 10 women over the age of 75 suffer from dry eye syndrome, for a total of 3.2 million women in the United States alone.

Patients having Sjörgen’s syndrome understand dry eye all too well. The condition, which causes the body to mistakenly attack moisture-producing glands like those that produce tears, is commonly associated with dry eye. Ninety percent of people with Sjörgen’s syndrome are women.

While dry eye syndrome may sound like more of a nuisance than a serious medical condition, if left untreated it can lead to permanent loss of vision. Inflammation, infection, and scarring of the eye can also occur.

At Georgia Eye Partners, we aim to provide maximum and fast relief from your dry eye symptoms. Dry eye treatment can be as simple as a change in your daily habits or medicated eye drops. With the right treatment, patients with dry eye symptoms can experience little to no discomfort in their daily lives.

If you believe you have dry eye syndrome, it is important to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional. Your Georgia Eye Partners physician will discuss all test results with you in detail to keep you closely involved in your treatment plan.

Don’t let dry eye syndrome inhibit your life. Schedule an appointment with us today!