Prevent Blindness has designated July as Dry Eye Month as part of an effort to raise awareness about dry eye disease, offering a variety of free educational resources eyecare professionals can share with their patients—including a dedicated webpage, fact sheets, social media graphics in English and Spanish, and videos featuring experts and patients.

As part of this year’s campaign, Prevent Blindness will feature a discussion on dry eye in a July episode of its Focus on Eye Health Podcast. Guests include Aidan Moore, cofounder and executive director of the Dry Eye Foundation, and Pam Gaio, who is living with dry eye disease.

The organization also continues to provide educational content through its Focus on Eye Health Expert Series. Featured presentations include “Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): What You Need to Know” by April Jasper, OD, FAAO, of Advanced Eyecare Specialists, and “Dry Eye” by Stephanie Jones Marioneaux, MD, president-elect of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and a member of the Prevent Blindness board of directors.

According to the AAO, several health conditions may contribute to dry eye disease, including diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and rosacea. Individuals who have undergone eye surgery may also face an increased risk. Certain medications can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.

“Dry eye is commonly misunderstood. If left untreated, it can cause significant damage to vision,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Speak with your eye doctor to go over all of your symptoms, medical history, and medications to ensure that sight can be preserved today and for the future.”