Trusted Information, Support & Care Pathways for Dry Eye

The Dry Eye Society of the Americas (DESA) is committed to empowering patients with reliable, evidence-based information and connections. Living with dry eye disease can be complex and frustrating—DESA exists to help patients better understand their condition, explore care options, and access trusted support.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is a chronic, multifactorial condition that may involve tear film instability, inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, nerve sensitivity, and environmental or systemic contributors.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning, stinging, or irritation

• Fluctuating or blurred vision

• Redness or inflammation

• Light sensitivity

• Eye fatigue, especially with screen use

Dry eye often overlaps with other systemic or inflammatory conditions, making education and coordinated care essential.

Related Conditions & Support Organizations

Many patients with dry eye also live with autoimmune, dermatologic, neurologic, or pain-related conditions. The following organizations offer education, advocacy, and patient support:

Autoimmune & Systemic Conditions

• Sjogren’s Foundation
  Education, advocacy, and support for individuals with Sjögren’s disease, which may have a role in the cause of severe dry eye for some patients.
  🔗 https://www.sjogrens.org

• American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)
  Resources for patients managing autoimmune conditions that may affect eye health.
  🔗 https://www.aarda.org

Skin, Inflammatory & Ocular Surface Conditions

• National Rosacea Society
  Information on rosacea and ocular rosacea, which can contribute to eyelid inflammation and dry eye symptoms.
  🔗 https://www.rosacea.org

• American Academy of Dermatology
  Educational resources related to inflammatory skin conditions that may impact ocular health.
  🔗 https://www.aad.org

Pain, Neurologic & Chronic Illness Support

• U.S. Pain Foundation
  Resources for individuals managing chronic pain, including neuropathic eye discomfort.
  🔗 https://uspainfoundation.org

• Chronic Disease Coalition
  Advocacy and education for patients living with chronic conditions.
  🔗 https://chronicdiseasecoalition.org

Learning About Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye care is individualized and may involve a combination of approaches. Patients may benefit from learning about:

Medical & Prescription Therapies

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops

• Immunomodulatory treatments

• Short-term steroid therapies (as prescribed)

In-Office & Procedural Treatments

• Thermal treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction

• Light-based therapies

• Tear film and gland imaging diagnostics

Supportive & Lifestyle Approaches

• Artificial tears and ocular lubricants

• Eyelid hygiene and compresses

• Environmental modifications (humidity, screen breaks)

• Nutrition and supplementation (as advised by a clinician)

DESA encourages patients to discuss treatment options with a qualified eye care professional to determine what is appropriate for their individual needs.

Finding Specialized Dry Eye Care

DESA recognizes that access to experienced dry eye care professionals is a major challenge for many patients.

Coming Soon: DESA Dry Eye Care Professional Database

DESA is currently developing a database of highly skilled eye care professionals with experience in diagnosing and managing dry eye disease. This resource is intended to help patients more easily identify clinicians with focused expertise in dry eye care.

The database will be:

• Educational and informational in nature

• Built with input from dry eye experts

• Designed to support patient decision-making

DESA does not endorse or certify individual providers, but aims to improve transparency and access to specialized care.

Education, Advocacy & Community

Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, DESA works to:

• Improve awareness of dry eye disease

• Reduce delays in diagnosis

• Elevate the patient voice

• Support collaboration across the eye care community

Patients, caregivers, clinicians, and partners are invited to engage with DESA through membership, educational programs, and community initiatives.

Important Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.