Resources bring attention to dry eye syndrome

Red Bank, NJ-To coincide with the observance of dry eye awareness month in July, the National Women’s Health Resource Center has launched the Dry Eye Hot Jobs educational initiative to raise awareness of the syndrome and the environmental factors in the workplace that contribute to it.

Office-based positions are most likely to lead to dry-eye symptoms, according to the organization, because of prolonged computer use and exposure to dust and allergens. Rounding out the top 10 “hot job” categories were construction/manufacturing, health care/medical, education, retail/sales, public service/social service, transportation/delivery, agriculture/landscaping, janitorial/maintenance, and food service.

The initiative, supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Allergan Inc., is providing educational information about the condition, including questions to ask eye-care professionals. For more information, visit www.healthywomen.org.

Another resource for patients with dry eye is the recently published book The Dry Eye Remedy (Hatherleigh Press) by Robert Latkany, MD, founder and director of the Dry Eye Clinic at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Latkany offers advice for maintaining moisture in the eye:

• Look down, not up, at computer screens; adjust chairs and monitors as necessary.

• Keep a humidifier in sleeping and working areas.

• Face away from air currents.

• Wear sunglasses while outside-even at night-and a sleep mask at night.

• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.

• Minimize stress and inflammation through social interaction, diet, and exercise.