The Four Horsemen of Dry Eye: Why This Condition Is More Common Than Ever
Dry Eye Syndrome Is On the Rise—Here’s Why
Back in 2000, around 3 million people suffered from acute dry eye. Today, that number has skyrocketed to more than 40 million. So, what changed?
At Peeq Pro, we’ve identified four primary factors driving this epidemic. We call them the Four Horsemen of Dry Eye—and chances are, you’re already dealing with at least one of them.
1. Excessive Screen Time and Reduced Blinking
The explosion of digital screen use—smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs—has dramatically impacted our eye health. The average American now spends over 7 hours per day in front of screens.
The problem? Blinking.
Studies show that screen use can reduce blinking rates by 50–66%, dropping from 25 blinks per minute to as few as 10. Incomplete blinks, where the eyelids don’t fully close, also prevent proper tear distribution.
Over time, this leads to eye surface damage, inflammation, and the hallmark symptoms of Digital Eye Strain and dry eye syndrome.
2. Medications and Medical Interventions
Modern medicine, while lifesaving in many ways, has also contributed to the rise of dry eye. Numerous medications list dry eye as a side effect, including:
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Beta blockers
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Antidepressants
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Anti-acne medications
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Antihistamines
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Diuretics
Additionally, contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery, and other ocular procedures can disrupt tear production and damage the meibomian glands responsible for producing the eye’s protective oil layer.
3. Environmental Triggers and Air Quality
Environmental conditions play a big role in eye health. While humidity levels matter, more impactful factors include:
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Air conditioning and forced-air heating
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Ceiling fans
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Pollution and smog
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Seasonal allergies
These all contribute to faster evaporation of tears and increased irritation. People living in urban environments or frequently exposed to blowing air are at particularly high risk for developing evaporative dry eye.
4. Hormonal Changes—Especially During Menopause
The fourth horseman is one that has always been around—but we now understand it better: hormonal shifts.
In particular, menopause can lead to a sharp drop in hormone levels—especially androgens, which are vital for maintaining healthy tear production. Unfortunately, these hormones are not typically replaced through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), leaving many women vulnerable to chronic dry eye symptoms during midlife and beyond.
A Modern Epidemic with Real Consequences
What was once a rare condition has now become disturbingly common. Dry Eye Disease is not just an inconvenience—it can severely impact your quality of life, causing:
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Burning or stinging sensations
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Eye fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Sensitivity to light
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Difficulty wearing contact lenses
What’s more, over 65% of adults in the U.S. already show signs of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—a leading cause of dry eye. Even people who don’t identify as traditional sufferers are beginning to feel the effects.
5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Eye Health Today
The good news? You can take steps right now to protect your eyes from dry eye syndrome:
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Clean your eyelids regularly
Use a safe, effective cleanser designed for daily eyelid hygiene (we recommend “peeqing” with our Peeq Pro cleanser). -
Apply a warm compress
Daily heat therapy helps unclog meibomian glands and promotes healthy oil flow. -
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to support tear production. -
Get quality sleep
Sleep is essential for eye repair and function. -
Take a fish oil supplement
Omega-3 fatty acids support the lipid layer of your tears.
Don’t Let the Four Horsemen Win
Whether you're 2, 22, or 82, dry eye can affect you—but it doesn’t have to control your life. By understanding the root causes and taking small steps each day, you can reduce symptoms and support long-term eye health.
At Peeq Pro, we’re here to help you take control of your eye wellness journey. Stay proactive. Stay peeqed.