Prevent Blindness Declares July as National Dry Eye Awareness Month

In a concerted effort to raise awareness about dry eye disease, Prevent Blindness has officially designated July as National Dry Eye Month. This initiative aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for this increasingly prevalent condition. The announcement was made on June 25, 2025, and it marks the fifth consecutive year that Prevent Blindness has taken this step to emphasize the importance of eye health.

The organization has launched a comprehensive suite of resources to support its campaign, including a dedicated webpage, informative fact sheets, and instructional graphics available in both English and Spanish. These materials are designed to facilitate understanding and encourage individuals suffering from dry eye to seek appropriate care.

Jeff Todd, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness, stated, "A number of treatment options are available for dry eye that can help address symptoms and save sight. We invite everyone to check out our free dry eye resources and make an appointment with an eye doctor to find out what type of treatment is best for them." This call to action highlights the organization's commitment to proactive intervention and education.

According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 16.4 million Americans suffer from dry eye, a condition characterized by insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears that lead to inflammation and damage of the ocular surface. Risk factors for developing dry eye include age, hormonal changes, chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome, and lifestyle factors such as excessive screen time and environmental irritants.

The prevalence of dry eye has been rising, particularly among older adults and those working in environments that exacerbate the condition, such as air-conditioned offices or areas with high pollution levels. Dr. April Jasper, an optometrist and advocate for eye health, emphasizes the necessity for regular eye examinations, stating, "Early detection and management can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition."

Prevent Blindness's campaign is supported by OCuSOFT, a leading provider of eye care products. In a collaborative statement, OCuSOFT's representatives underscored the importance of awareness and education surrounding dry eye, noting that many individuals remain unaware of their condition or the available treatment options.

The resources made available through Prevent Blindness include not only educational content but also practical advice, such as techniques for applying eye drops correctly and maintaining proper eye hygiene. Further, the organization encourages individuals to consult with eye care professionals for tailored treatment strategies.

In conclusion, July's designation as National Dry Eye Month serves as a crucial reminder for Americans to prioritize their eye health. As awareness increases, it is hoped that more individuals will seek help, leading to better management of dry eye symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life. The implications of this campaign extend beyond individual health, potentially reducing the broader economic burden associated with untreated eye conditions. For more information about the resources available, individuals are encouraged to visit the Prevent Blindness website, where a wealth of information is readily accessible.

### Sources: 1. Prevent Blindness. (2025). Prevent Blindness Provides a Variety of Free Dry Eye Educational Resources including a dedicated Webpage, Fact Sheets and Graphics in English and Spanish, Expert Interviews and Informative Videos. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://preventblindness.org/dry-eye-month-2025/ 2. National Eye Institute. (2025). Dry eye. Last updated February 18, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye 3. Jasper, A. (2025). Interview on the importance of eye health. [Optometrist, Advocate for Eye Health]. 4. Todd, J. (2025). Press release regarding Dry Eye Month. [President and CEO, Prevent Blindness].