Dry Eye Advocacy Dreams

That those without dry eye who are at high risk can learn enough about the reality of dry eye and the associated risk factors to take preventive measures (like not using "get the red out" drops, not abusing contact lenses, avoiding elective surgeries and drugs that carry the highest risks, or seeking out the safest variations and providers of elective surgeries).

That those with dry eye, mild or undiagnosed, can learn enough to pay attention to symptoms, start asking the right questions and start looking for the right kind of doctors (like people with watery eyes that don't understand tearing can be caused by dry eye).

That those with dry eye, diagnosed and significant but without a sufficiently accurate or detailed diagnosis to guide them to effective treatment options, can learn enough to ask more questions and seek better expertise (like all the people who are told simply that they have "dry eye", which, I always say, is about as helpful as a cardiologist diagnosing you with "heart disease"... details are vital).

That those with dry eye, diagnosed and treated, but struggling with the life impact, can have ready access to local and internet resources - information, community, and supportive medical care, to help them keep moving forward steadily. That they can find low-or-no risk palliative strategies and products to help manage discomfort and improve quality of life while they navigate treatment options.

That those struggling with severe eye pain or other debilitating symptoms can gain from others' experiences to learn strategies for coping in the moment, with the knowledge that it won't last forever.

That those who have lost hope can find hope through the caring hearts of those who come alongside them in the dark times.

That those who have come out the other side can find easy and effective ways to share what they've learned with others who are just getting started.

That eyecare professionals can grow in both their medical knowledge of dry eye and their practical understanding of the quality of life impact of dry eye, in order to better meet their patients' needs.