Dry Eye Market Heating Up

According to a recent 2023 Market Research Report, the global dry eye syndrome market is expected to exceed $8.08 billion by the year 2028, growing at an expected annual rate of 6.4% from 2021 to 2028. This impressive growth is believed to be driven by numerous factors, such as the increasing geriatric population, the cost of health care, and the amount of time spent in front of computers and digital technology, as well as the technologic advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome. Additionally, the global dry eye syndrome market was valued at $4,540 million USD between 2023 and 2032, and this market is estimated to register the highest compound annual growth rate of 5.9%.

The report also suggests that the North American market will account for the largest growth due to the high prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the general population, as well as the presence of major market players in the region. Interestingly, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to show the highest growth rate, due to the increasing awareness about dry eye syndrome and the region’s fast-growing geriatric population. (Read more here.)

OUTSIDE THE LANE

Healthy Biome, Healthy Body, Healthy … Eyes?

A recent review of 36 observational studies found that certain household factors, such as taking antibiotics at an early age, eating a Western diet, and living in a more affluent family can increase a child’s risk for developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Interestingly, a child who has been breastfed, eats lots of vegetables, has siblings, and lives in a home with pets was linked to a lower risk of IBD.

Quite surprisingly, a lower economic status home appeared to have a protective effect and was associated with a 65% lower risk of IBD. In addition, having only one toilet in the home was linked to a protective effect. (Read more here.)

My Two Cents

Seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? However, it has been hypothesized that excessive hygiene can reduce the number of microbes in the environment, which then impedes the development of a robust microbiome in a child.

Did you know that maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiome can also lower the chances of developing other common metabolic diseases (eg, diabetes, hypertension)? Read how the effects of these diseases can often be seen during thorough ocular health evaluations in this past Modern Optometryarticle.

CAN YOU RELATE

It’s clear that families are beginning to tighten their purse strings due to economic uncertainty. Last week, my 5-year-old son’s jiu jitsu class underwent some modifications because of low attendance. Typically, he takes a 5 pm class for kids between the ages of 3 and 6, where it’s basically a glorified recess that involves a sort of kiddie American Ninja Warrior–type obstacle course. However, because fewer and fewer kids are signing up, according to the gym’s owner, Brooks’ little kids class was combined with the “big kids class.”

This involved having Brooks and a few classmates perform their martial arts along with some 10-year-olds, which did not go well. Five minutes into the class, and Brooks was already overwhelmed with the stretching and pre-class warmups that had never been taught to him. After 15 minutes, we were in a full-blown meltdown and had to leave, with my little guy screaming that he never wanted to go back.

This is a good example of how not to adjust your schedule and business during economic uncertainty. We don’t know how the economy will treat us in the coming months or years, but we, as members of the eye care community, must make measured and careful changes with every decision we make. If decisions are made too rashly and without careful planning, we risk isolating our patients and customers to the point that they no longer feel comfortable under our care.

As much as I enjoy Brooks’ current gym, he is, to put it simply, terrified of going back. We’ll give it a few more chances, as quitting isn’t in our nature. However, there are simply too many other martial arts businesses in our area that may offer a better experience for him. Why not give them a try? And while I’m talking about experiences, there’s scholarship opportunities for two upcoming MOD-affiliated conferences:

• The International Congress of Scleral Contacts (ICSC) is extending an exclusive offer to 10 members of YoungOD Connect to attend its 2023 meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from July 28-29, 2023. Visit www.icscmeeting.com for information about the terms of this offer.

• If you’re an optometry student, resident, or optometrist in the first 3 years of practice, there’s an opportunity for you to score a scholarship to MOD Live in Nashville this September—but hurry, applications are due June 30th. Learn more here.