From her iconic role as Rachel Green in Friends to her performances in Marley and Me and Horrible Bosses, Jennifer Aniston has proven her versatility as an actress. Known for her success in both drama and comedy, she is also a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist. Despite her accomplishments, Aniston faced a health challenge that went undiagnosed for years.
In a recent interview, Aniston shared her struggle with chronic dry eye, a condition she was unfamiliar with until a few years ago. “During an interview with makeup artist Bobbi Brown, she asked if I had any bad habits,” Aniston recalled. “I was putting in eye drops for the fifth time that hour when she asked.”
It was only after consulting with experts from Shire, a pharmaceutical company, that Aniston learned about her condition. “I had never heard of dry eye before,” she said. A visit to her doctor confirmed the diagnosis. “He tested my eyes and found that my tear production was extremely low. Most people have a level of 9 or 10, but mine was only 2.”
Chronic dry eye affects over 26 million Americans, but many people are unaware of its symptoms. Aniston, in collaboration with the Eyelove campaign, aims to raise awareness about the condition. According to Shire, 45 percent of those diagnosed with dry eye did not think their symptoms were serious enough to discuss with their doctor. Additionally, nearly 75 percent did not realize that symptoms like watery eyes, redness, and itching could indicate dry eye.
Dr. Marc Bloomstein, OD, explained that dry eye can often be mistaken for issues such as needing new glasses, changes in contact lenses, allergies, or eye infections. He also noted that increased screen time might worsen the condition.
Aniston herself was surprised by how common dry eye is. “I used to think my symptoms were due to sensitive eyes, weather changes, or seasonal factors,” she said. She even considered that her makeup routine might be the cause. “But after learning more, I realized that I didn’t have to live with this condition.”
The Eyelove campaign has been instrumental in increasing awareness about dry eye. “The response to the campaign has been incredible,” Aniston said. “My doctor is amazed by the number of people now asking about dry eye.”
Through her involvement in the campaign, Aniston hopes to encourage others to seek help for their eye health and not dismiss their symptoms.
