Dry eye disease (DED), a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Yet, despite its widespread nature, estimating the true incidence of dry eye remains a challenge, and current estimates place Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a major precursor to dry eye, at anywhere from 30-70% of the adult population in the U.S. This broad range of estimates presents a significant issue. A range of 50% can leave patients, doctors, and researchers grappling with uncertainty about the true scope of the condition. Ideally, we'd want those uncertainty ranges to be much narrower, something in the range of 3%, not 50%.
The reason behind these wide ranges lies in three main factors: changing behaviors, evolving definitions, and the evolution of treatments. Together, these factors create a complex landscape that makes determining a precise prevalence figure for dry eye difficult. Let’s take a closer look at these contributing factors.
1. Changing Behaviors: The Role of Technology and Lifestyle
One of the biggest factors contributing to the uncertainty in prevalence estimates is the change in modern behavior, particularly our increased reliance on digital devices. The rise of smartphones, laptops, and Zoom calls has dramatically increased the amount of time we spend in front of screens. This shift has led to a significant increase in digital eye strain, which is directly linked to the growing incidence of dry eye disease.
Spending hours each day staring at screens results in decreased blink rates and incomplete blinks, both of which reduce the effectiveness of the tear film and contribute to dry eye symptoms. Notably, this trend has affected younger populations, especially those who might not have been considered at high risk for dry eye in the past. As a result, incidence rates for dry eye have increased rapidly in the last decade, particularly among younger adults. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of the digital environment on the ocular surface - ScienceDirect
The rise in screen time means that older tests, those developed before the widespread use of digital technology, are less reliable in measuring the true scope of the problem. When newer research is conducted, it often looks at populations that are exposed to much higher levels of screen time, leading to higher incidence rates than in studies conducted in earlier decades. This disconnect between the modern digital lifestyle and older testing methods contributes to the wide variation in prevalence data.
2. Evolving Definitions and Diagnostic Methods
Another major factor behind the uncertainty in dry eye estimates is the evolving definitions of the disease. In 2017, the TFOS DEWS II (Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II) report introduced a more refined and comprehensive definition of dry eye disease. This report characterized dry eye as a multifactorial disease, meaning that a variety of factors, such as tear film instability, ocular surface inflammation, and damage, play a role in its development. TFOS DEWS II Report Executive Summary
However, despite the release of this updated framework, many eye care professionals did not begin to use these new diagnostic criteria consistently until a few years later. Optometry schools and other institutions were slow to adopt the new guidelines in their curricula, which meant that earlier research did not categorize dry eye in the same way. This inconsistency has led to challenges in comparing studies from different time periods, as the disease was diagnosed and classified differently before the TFOS DEWS II guidelines were widely adopted.
In addition, the methods for testing dry eye, such as tear break-up time, ocular surface staining, and meibomian gland evaluation, have also evolved over time, making earlier studies based on older diagnostic techniques less relevant to the current understanding of the disease. This contributes to the wide range of reported incidence rates.
3. Advances in Treatment and Reporting
The third major reason for the variability in dry eye prevalence is the evolution of treatments over time. As treatments have advanced, from the introduction of punctal plugs in the early 2000s to newer therapies like anti-inflammatory medications, meibomian gland expression, and biologic treatments, so too has the way researchers report the incidence and severity of dry eye.
Earlier studies on dry eye often focused on treatments that were considered cutting-edge at the time, such as punctal plugs, while modern research may include more diverse approaches like lipid-based artificial tears or hypochlorous acid cleansers. As a result, the treatment landscape has changed, making it difficult to compare data from studies conducted before and after these advancements.
Moreover, the shift from treatment-based reporting to a more symptom-based approach has added another layer of complexity. In the past, studies may have reported dry eye incidence based on treatments like punctal plugs, but now, studies are more likely to focus on self-reported symptoms and the effectiveness of modern therapies. This makes it harder to establish consistent, comparable prevalence rates across different research periods.
The Murky Picture: Why Percentages Are Hard to Pin Down
When you combine changing behaviors, evolving definitions, and advancements in treatments, it's no surprise that providing a definitive percentage for the prevalence of dry eye is difficult. The problem is further compounded by the fact that many studies use different diagnostic tools and criteria, making direct comparisons challenging.
For example, a study from 2000 may have used different diagnostic techniques and relied on different treatments, while a 2020 study may use the latest protocols and therapies. This makes it impossible to directly compare results from studies that span across different decades, leading to a significant amount of variability in reported incidence rates.
Moving Forward: Striving for Greater Precision
While the true incidence of dry eye disease remains difficult to pinpoint, one thing is certain: dry eye is a growing issue that requires both better understanding and improved management. With new technologies and refined diagnostic tools continuing to evolve, the ability to measure and address dry eye will continue to improve.
Until we achieve greater consistency in prevalence estimates, the best approach is to focus on personalized care for patients. Dry eye is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and the more we understand about the individual factors that contribute to its development—whether it’s screen time, lifestyle, or medical history, the better equipped we’ll be to address it effectively.
Revolutionizing Eyelid Hygiene: How Peeq Pro is Helping People Manage Dry Eye
Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex, multifactorial condition, and its prevalence is only expected to grow in the coming years. From increased screen time to evolving diagnostic criteria, there are many factors at play, making it difficult to pinpoint the true scope of the condition. But one thing is clear, dry eye is a widespread issue, and effective management is more important than ever.
At Peeq Pro, we believe that proper eyelid hygiene plays a critical role in the prevention and management of dry eye disease. In fact, we’re on a mission to address a key yet often overlooked factor in eye health: clean eyelids. As eye care professionals, we saw firsthand how many of our patients suffered from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a precursor to dry eye, simply because they were unaware of the importance of maintaining healthy eyelid hygiene. Our solution? A product that cleans the eyelids as effectively as an electric toothbrush cleans your teeth: the Peeq Waiva.
A New Approach to Eyelid Hygiene
In 2018, our founders, Dr. Chris Wolfe and Dr. Cheryl Chapman, had an “aha” moment. They realized that many people suffer from preventable eye conditions due to poor eyelid hygiene. The buildup of debris, bacteria, and oils around the eyes can contribute to clogged meibomian glands, which play a crucial role in tear production. When these glands become blocked, it can result in dry, irritated eyes. Unfortunately, traditional eye care routines often overlook this critical area.
With this insight in mind, we set out to develop a product that would change the way people think about their eyelids and eye health. The Peeq Waiva is a handheld, gentle device that uses vibration technology to effectively remove debris and absorb excess oils from the eyelids. It’s like an electric toothbrush for your eyes, designed specifically to tackle the buildup of biofilm and oils that contribute to MGD and dry eye. Waiva Eyelid Cleaning System – Peeq Pro
Our specially formulated tea tree oil cleanser, included with the Peeq Waiva, complements the device by providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, they create a routine that’s easy to use, non-invasive, and most importantly, effective in supporting long-term eye health. Foaming Eyelid & Facial Cleanser for Eyelid Hygiene – Peeq Pro
Addressing the Growing Dry Eye Epidemic
The need for effective dry eye management is more urgent than ever. Studies show that up to 73% of Americans suffer from MGD, and that number is expected to rise. By 2030, more than 30 million people in the U.S. are projected to experience dry eye disease, many of whom will struggle with the daily discomfort and vision impairment that comes with it.
At Peeq Pro, we understand that dry eye is not a “one-size-fits-all” condition. With the rise of digital screens, environmental factors, and changing lifestyles, each person’s experience with dry eye is unique. That’s why we believe in offering personalized solutions that address the root causes of the problem. For many people, maintaining healthy eyelid hygiene is a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of MGD and dry eye.
Unlike traditional eye care products, which often focus on artificial tears or invasive procedures, the Peeq Waiva focuses on the root cause of the problem, ensuring that the eyelids are clean and free from irritants. This preventative approach empowers patients to take control of their eye health and significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dry eye or MGD in the first place.
Simple, Effective, Accessible Eye Care
We’re not just creating another beauty tool; we’re revolutionizing eye health. At Peeq Pro, our goal is to make eyelid hygiene easy, effective, and accessible for everyone. We want to empower people to take better care of their eyes, starting with something as simple as cleaning their eyelids. For too long, the delicate skin around the eyes has been neglected in daily skincare routines, but we’re changing that.
The Peeq Waiva is more than just a product; it’s part of a movement to prioritize long-term eye health. Whether you’re dealing with dry eye symptoms, MGD, or simply want to maintain healthy eyelids, our system offers a convenient, non-invasive solution that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.
Join Us in the Eyelid-First Revolution
The future of dry eye management is clear: preventative care, personalized treatment, and accessible solutions. At Peeq Pro, we’re committed to helping you maintain optimal eye health with simple, effective routines that prioritize comfort, clarity, and long-term well-being. We believe your eyes deserve dedicated care, and we’re here to provide it, one gentle cleanse at a time.
As we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings, we remain focused on our mission to improve the lives of those affected by dry eye disease. By emphasizing the importance of eyelid hygiene and offering effective tools to support it, we hope to empower you to take control of your eye health- and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision for years to come.