Dry eye is a disorder of the tear film due to a deficiency of tears or excess tear evaporation which causes damage to the exposed eye surface, leading to eye discomfort or even infections. According to a new study published in the June 2009 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, an estimated 4 percent of older U.S. men suffer from dry eye.

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and their colleagues evaluated males participants aged 50 and older in Physician’s Health Studies I and II to estimate the prevalence of, and identify the risk factors for, dry eye disease. They found that the prevalence of dry eye disease increased with age, from 3.9% among men aged 50 to 54 years to 7.7% among men 80 years and older. High blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia were associated with a higher risk of dry eye disease. Interestingly, the use of antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and medications to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia were also associated with an increased risk of dry eye.

The researchers estimated that the prevalence of dry eye disease was 4.3%, or approximately 1.68 million men aged 50 and older. They predict that, by 2030, more than 2.79 million U.S. men will be affected. Further studies are needed to determine ways to prevent dry eye disease and to reduce the discomfort, complications, and healthcare costs associated with this bothersome condition. 

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Source:

Arch Ophthalmol. 2009:127(6):763-768.