Each July, National Dry Eye Awareness Month shines a spotlight on a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of Americans: dry eye disease. With symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to vision disruption, raising awareness is crucial to ensure early detection, proper management, and long-term eye health.

Dry eye may sound simple, but without attention and care, it can significantly impact your quality of life. This month is a valuable reminder to assess your symptoms, explore available treatments, and seek professional support if needed—especially as screen time and environmental factors continue to rise.

What Is Dry Eye & Why July Counts

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly. There are two main types:

• Aqueous-deficient dry eye – where tear production is too low.
• Evaporative dry eye – where tears evaporate too quickly due to meibomian gland dysfunction or environmental stressors.

While dry eye can affect anyone, it’s particularly common in women, older adults, and people with autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome.

Why July? National Dry Eye Awareness Month was officially established by Congress in 2005 through the advocacy efforts of the Sjögren’s Foundation. The goal: to raise public understanding about dry eye, encourage early treatment, and reduce long-term complications such as corneal damage.

Recognizing Common Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, and many may not realize their discomfort is linked to tear instability. Be on the lookout for signs like:

• Dryness, scratchiness, or a gritty/sandy sensation
• Burning or stinging feeling in the eyes
• Fluctuating blurred vision that improves with blinking
• Red or irritated eyes, especially after screen use
• Light sensitivity and difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Watery eyes paradoxically caused by dryness (reflex tearing)

These symptoms are often exacerbated by computer use, air conditioning, wind exposure, or low humidity environments—common elements of our daily routines.

Managing & Treating Dry Eye Effectively

Fortunately, many treatment options can provide significant relief and restore eye comfort. Based on severity and cause, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following strategies:

1. Topical Relief Options:
   • Over-the-counter artificial tears, gels, or nighttime ointments can soothe dryness.
   • Preservative-free drops are often better for frequent use or sensitive eyes.
   • Prescription eye drops such as Restasis (cyclosporine), Xiidra (lifitegrast), or new therapies like Tyrvaya (nasal spray) can target inflammation and improve tear production.
2. Advanced Treatments & Professional Care:
   • In-office procedures such as punctal plugs (to reduce tear drainage) or thermal pulsation therapy (for meibomian gland dysfunction).
   • Lid hygiene routines and warm compresses to unblock oil glands.
   • Comprehensive dry eye evaluations at SightMD can uncover underlying causes and tailor treatments specifically for your needs.

If over-the-counter solutions are no longer working or your symptoms are worsening, it’s time to consult a dry eye specialist.

Lifestyle & Environmental Adjustments

Daily habits and environmental changes can dramatically reduce dry eye discomfort. Incorporate these evidence-based strategies to support healthier, more comfortable eyes:

• Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to maintain a healthy blink rate.
• Blink consciously when working on screens and position screens below eye level to reduce exposure.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day and use a humidifier at home or work to increase indoor moisture levels.
• Wear wrap-around glasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind, sun, and smoke.
• Avoid smoke, air vents, and excessive heater or fan exposure, which can worsen tear evaporation.

A combination of these lifestyle changes and medical treatments often provides the best long-term results.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If your symptoms persist despite using artificial tears or lifestyle changes, professional intervention is key. Chronic dry eye left untreated may lead to:

• Corneal abrasions or ulcers
• Increased risk of infection
• Long-term vision issues and decreased quality of life

July is the ideal time to prioritize your eye health. At SightMD, our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists offer advanced diagnostics and personalized dry eye management plans designed to relieve discomfort and restore optimal function.

What You Can Do This July

In honor of National Dry Eye Awareness Month, consider these simple steps to protect your vision and educate those around you:

• Take advantage of free resources from Prevent Blindness and the Sjögren’s Foundation to learn more about dry eye symptoms and support tools.
• Encourage a loved one who may be struggling with dry eyes to seek evaluation and care.
• Schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation at SightMD to receive expert guidance and a tailored treatment plan.

Dry eyes don’t have to be a daily struggle. This July, take action for your vision.

Schedule your SightMD dry eye evaluation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and restored comfort.