DID YOU KNOW? 1 Out of 5 People Have Dry Eyes Disease or DED

What is Dry Eyes Disease or DED?

Dry eyes disease, also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate and unstable for many reasons. For instance, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. This tear instability leads to inflammation and damage of the eye’s surface.

Common symptoms of dry eyes disease include:

A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
Eye fatigue
Sensitivity to light
Redness of the eyes
A sensation of having something in your eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Difficulty with nighttime driving
Blurred vision or eye strain

Several factors can contribute to dry eyes:

Decreased Tear Production: Conditions like aging, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders), medications (such as antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and drugs for high blood pressure), and laser eye surgery can reduce tear production.
Increased Tear Evaporation: Wind, smoke, or dry air, blinking less often (such as when reading, driving, or working at a computer), and eyelid problems can increase tear evaporation.
Imbalance in Tear Composition: Tears are made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. Problems with any of these layers can cause dry eyes. For example, Meibomian gland dysfunction can affect the oil layer of tears.

Risk Factors:

Age (more common in people over 50)
Gender (women are more likely to develop dry eyes)
Diet (lack of vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids)
Wearing contact lenses
Long-term use of certain medications

Dry eyes disease (DED) is currently emerging as a rapidly spreading but unnoticed epidemic. It is concerning to learn that 1 out of every 5 people in the Philippines is affected by this condition, which is further aggravated by our excessive screen time. According to experts, this issue has been steadily gaining attention and causing worry.

“Our country has a high cases number of dry eye disease. It causes various amounts of discomfort, which can have an influence on our daily lives. Dry eye condition should never be underestimated. If left untreated, dry eye disease can even result in serious consequences”.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Jennifer Joy Santos-Rayos

The majority of dry eye diseases stem from extended use of electronic devices. Dry eye disease can also result from prolonged exposure to the dry air found in air-conditioned environments. This leads to millions experiencing the three primary symptoms of dry eye disease such as sandy eyes (Magaspang na Mata), burning eyes (Mahapding Mata), and tired eyes (Pagod na Mata).

Eye Mo Moist

Eye Mo, a trusted global brand and a household of eye drop brand in the Philippines for more than 50 years, have complete products for Filipinos when they have eye irritation. Eye Mo Red Eyes to relieve red eyes irritation, Eye Mo Moist to relieve dry and tired eyes, and Eye Mo Daily Care to cleans eyes and relieve itchiness. Eye Mo Moist contain Hypromellose that is the first line of treatment for dry eyes, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

“Eye Mo as the household eye drop brand in the Philippines take responsibility to educate Filipinos how to take care their eyes when it comes to dry eyes condition with the launch of Eye Mo new campaign title “Wag Tiisin ang Dry Eyes #MoistUrEyes”. More than just a campaign, it is a call to action. We aim to raise awareness about the prevalence of dry eyes disease and the importance of proper eye care. Through this campaign, we will disseminate educational materials, engage with communities, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to spread our message far and wide. Furthermore, our impact extends beyond the products we offer. Eye Mo has been a staunch advocate for accessible and affordable eye care for all Filipinos.”
Weitarsa Hendarto, Director International Operations, PT Combiphar

“We Filipinos are known to be matiisin (long suffering), we like to endure pain even if there is a solution available. We use our eyes for so many things, whether at work or at play, and protecting them should always be the primary concern. Eye Mo is definitely the brand of eye care formula that can provide that protection. This is why we launch the Wag tiisin ang dry eyes #MoistUrEyes Campaign (Don’t endure dry eyes #MoistUrEyes)”.
Earl Jayona, Sr Marketing Manager Eye Mo

Meanwhile, Ken Chan, Celebrity Brand Ambassador for Eye Mo Philippines, also underscored the need to have fresh eyes.

“Aside from using my eyes to read movie script, it is also important to protect my eyes because as an actor, I often work the whole day and most of the time, it extends up to the next day, which makes my eyes prone to symptoms of dry eyes. I need an eye care solution to keep my eyes moisturized and protected, and that is none other than Eye Mo Moist.”
Ken Chan

Aside from Eye Mo Moisturizing Formula, you can count on the “Eye Mo Daily Care Formula” to cleans eyes and relieve itchiness from daily irritants brought by pollution and contact lens wearer, and “Eye Mo Red Eyes Formula,” to clear eye redness.

‘Wag tiisin ang Dry Eyes! #MoistUrEyes.