Local eye care experts have expressed concern that about one in every five Filipinos suffers from dry eye disease. The prevalence of this eye condition in the country is almost like those in neighboring nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. This could be attributed to the region’s equatorial location and common tropical climate.
Dry eye disease develops when there is insufficient moisture in the eyes, or when the quality and composition of the tears do not suffice to induce proper eye lubrication. Tears the eyes produce are necessary for maintaining ideal health of the eyes’ front surface and for providing clear vision.
According to the American Optometric Association, there are common factors that lead to dry eyes. Those include age (part of natural aging process), gender (women are found to be more prone due to hormonal changes), medications (decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and antidepressants lower tear production), environmental conditions (smoke, strong winds, and dry climates), and medical conditions (diabetes, thyroid problems, and rheumatoid arthritis).
Filipino ophthalmologist Dr. Jennifer Joy Santos-Rayos identified another cause of dry eye disease especially in the country—extended use of electronic devices. People nowadays spend numerous hours each day being engaged in activities using their smartphones, laptops, or tablets. Such habits dry the eyes and are logically harmful in the long run.
“Our country has a high number of cases 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, it can even result in serious consequences,” she said.
Individuals experiencing dry eyes usually complain of irritated, scratchy, gritty, or burning eyes. Many people also feel like there is something trapped in their eyes. The condition is accompanied by excessively water eyes and blurred vision. There is also redness, light sensitivity, eye tiredness, or appearance of stringy mucus near the eye.
Dry eyes treatment aims to maintain or restore the normal amount and quality of tears produced by the eyes to minimize dryness and soothe discomfort, ultimately maintaining ideal eye health.
Fortunately, an instant treatment is readily available to relieve and treat dry eye disease in the Philippines. As a global eye drop brand that has been in the country for over 50 years, Eye Mo has a complete lineup of products for eye irritation.
Eye Mo Moisturizing Formula (Blue) is formulated to relieve dry and tired eyes. It contains Hypromellose, the first line of treatment for dry eyes according to the World Health Organization.
This Eye Mo variant serves as the anchor of the brand’s latest local campaign ‘Wag Tiisin and Dry Eyes #MoistUrEyes.’ During the launch on June 5 in Makati City, Eye Mo’s leaders emphasized that the campaign is more than what it is—it is a call to action. “We aim to raise awareness about the prevalence of dry eye disease and the importance of proper eye care,” the brand stated.
“Through this campaign, we well disseminate educational materials, engage with communities, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to spread our message far and wide,” said Weitarsa Hendarto, Director for International Operations of PT Combiphar, the company currently behind Eye Mo in the country. “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.”
Eye Mo has tapped TV actor and host Ken Chan as celebrity brand ambassador for Eye Mo Philippines. Chan highlighted the importance of keeping healthy eyes.
“Aside from using my eyes to read movie scripts, it is also important to protect my eyes because as an actor, I often work the whole day and most of the time, 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, that that is none other than Eye Mo Moist.
Meanwhile, Eye Mo Red Eyes Formula (Red) has Tetrahydrozoline HCI to relieve red eyes irritation and minor eye discomfort due to irritants. Eye Mo Daily Care Formula (Green) is an effective solution to cleanse the eyes and relieve itchiness from daily irritants brought about by pollution and by the use of contact lens.
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