Dry Eye On The Rise

The number of dry eye syndrome cases are expected to rise by more than half a million by 2022, according to a new report from research and consulting company GlobalData. 

 

The statistics, which focus on the UK, America, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, China and India, estimate that as the average life expectancy rises, dry eye cases will increase from 195m in 2012 to 249m over the next 10 years. 

 

The ‘EpiCast report: dry eye syndrome – epidemiology forecast to 2022’, states that the prevalence of dry eye increases with age, with an estimated 15% of cases affecting people over the age of 65. However, researchers add that gender, particular medical conditions and modern conveniences can also contribute to a sufferer’s condition. 

 

As people age the production of oil in the body decreases, reducing tear production and increasing the evaporation of tears, and resulting in dry eyes. 

 

While it is predicted that China will have the largest number of prevalent cases, India is likely to be the second highest.