For Immediate Release

Contact: info@stopsarcoidosis.org

THE FOUNDATION FOR SARCOIDOSIS RESEARCH SUPPORTS
2006 DRY EYE AWARENESS MONTH

National Women’s Health Resource Center Releases National Dry Eye Hot Spots List: First Rankings Based On Factors That Contribute To Eye Condition That Plagues More Than 20 Million Americans

Chicago, IL (1 July 2006) – Dry eye affects over 20 million Americans, yet it is often under-recognized and under-diagnosed. To raise awareness about the condition during Dry Eye Awareness Month in July, the National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) has released a list of America’s 100 DRY EYE HOT SPOTS – those cities with environmental conditions most likely to aggravate dry eye.

The rankings are based on an analysis of data archived by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climatic Data Center and the Environmental Protection Agency that considered six factors that can aggravate dry eye including temperature,
humidity, wind, altitude, pollutants and ocular allergens. Las Vegas topped the list, followed by four Texas cities. Other large metropolitan cities on the list include New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami. For a complete list of the cities, visit www.healthywomen.org.

Symptoms of dry eye can vary greatly from one person to the next, and may include itching, irritation, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and dryness. Those suffering from dry eye may have trouble with every day activities including reading, driving at night and using a computer. It can be a progressive disease, and if left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to more serious problems.

In addition to environmental factors, such as those found in the cities on the DRY EYE HOT SPOTS rankings, certain medical factors can also aggravate dry eye, including hormonal changes due to aging and menopause, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, rosacea, sarcoidosis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer dry eye because of hormonal factors and certain disorders that disproportionately affect women.

“The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is pleased to join with the National Women's Health Resource Center as a supporter of the Dry Eye Campaign,” said FSR Executive Director Debbie Durrer. “We know that sarcoidosis can affect any part of the eye, including the lacrimal (or tear producing) gland. There is a great need for education about dry eye – many sarcoidosis patients may not be aware that they have the condition. We hope that the NWHRC DRY EYE HOT SPOTS initiative will help provide some of this much-needed education.”

To find out if you live in a DRY EYE HOT SPOT, click on the logo above or visit www.HealthyWomen.org. The site features a Dry Eye Quiz that anyone can take to their doctor to help determine whether they have chronic dry eye. Visitors to the Web site also will find information on dry eye symptoms, causes, diagnosis, long-term effects and treatment options.

NWHRC Tips to Manage Chronic Dry Eye
Chronic dry eye occurs when changes to the health of the tear-producing glands affect the quantity and quality of tears produced. The tear film can no longer provide enough nourishment or protection to the surface of the eye. Research suggests that tear-film deficiencies are common in sarcoidosis patients, even when clinical symptoms are absent. While researchers don't know if there is anything you can do to reduce or avoid your risk of getting chronic dry eye, there are steps you can take to avoid making the symptoms worse and to reduce the effect of dry eye on your life.

• Visit an eye doctor for an eye health exam if you think you may have chronic dry eye. Symptoms include dryness, blurred vision, itchiness and sensitivity to light.

• Take regular breaks to rest and blink when reading or using a computer.

• If you wear contact lenses, ask your eye care practitioner to consider your dry eye in their choice of lens material for you. Many newer materials are designed to address symptoms of dryness in contact lens wearers. Another option for dry eye relief is to wear your glasses from time to time when they’re convenient.

• When outside, wear wrap-around sunglasses to prevent the wind from blowing against your eyes and drying out the surface of your eyes.

• Run a humidifier in any room where you spend a lot of time.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes.

• Talk to your eye doctor if you regularly take allergy medications, antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or blood pressure medications, because these may contribute to dry eye symptoms.

The National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent health information source for women. The non-profit organization develops and distributes up-to-date and objective women's health information based on the latest advances in medical research and practice. NWHRC believes all women should have access to the most trusted and reliable health information. The DRY EYE HOT SPOTS rankings are part of a NWHRC educational initiative, sponsored by Allergan, Inc.

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to improving care for patients and to finding a cure for this disease. Since 2000, FSR has worked to position sarcoidosis as a growing problem on the U.S. health care agenda and established itself as the authoritative resource for patients, health professionals and the public.