In less than two weeks, an estimated 203.4 million U.S. adults will tune in to Super Bowl LIX to watch the Philadelphia Eagles face off once again against the Kansas City Chiefs—millions of whom are affected by dry eye disease (DED) symptoms.
They’re not alone. Famed sportscaster Erin Andrews, who is preparing to report from the sidelines of the big game in New Orleans, is one of 38 million Americans affected by the uncomfortable eye condition.
At a time when health and wellness discussions are more prevalent than ever, Andrews is shining a light on DED, having teamed with Bausch + Lomb on Miebo. The FDA-approved eye drop treatment addresses tear evaporation (the leading cause of dry eye symptoms), which occurs when the oily layer of the tear film is damaged. The single-ingredient Miebo works by forming a protective layer over the eye, reducing evaporation.
Women are disproportionately affected by the disease, experiencing more severe symptoms than men. If left untreated, DED can become chronic, progressive and significantly impact quality of life, researchers say.
As a sportscaster, Andrews has spent countless hours in front of screens, teleprompters and cameras. Like many busy individuals—she also co-hosts the “Calm Down with Erin and Charissa” podcast—Andrews initially brushed off her symptoms.
“I just thought it was my eyes being tired,” she says, explaining that she’s constantly on her laptop or phone reading for game day preparation. “I thought maybe it was just because I’m looking at my screen so much—my eyes always kind of feel a little scratchy, gritty. I’m always like wiping them or trying to blink. I just thought that that’s how it was. Turns out, I’m an idiot, and my doctor’s like, ‘No, that’s dry eye.’”
After discovering that prescription drops could help treat her dry eye syndrome, Andrews is eager to share her experience with others, starting with the message that they don’t have to endure eye discomfort and encouraging them to seek care.
“Like [if you are] constantly rubbing your eyes or blinking or thinking, ‘Oh, my eyes feel super dry or scratchy’—go ask somebody about it because there’s actually something that can relieve your symptoms,” Andrews says.
With her eye health now in check, Andrews can better focus on other endeavors — like her Wear by Erin Andrews line, which teamed with designer Rebecca Minkoff for two limited-edition Super Bowl LIX leather moto jackets and her fitness and wellness routines.
A fitness devotee, Andrews says carving out time for a workout is a non-negotiable, even if it means waking up early after the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia.
“When I plan things or try to get things done, I’m like, ‘Nope, I gotta allot some time, 40 minutes, to work out. Get a good sweat in and feel good. I feel my best after I’ve done a good physical workout,” Andrews says. “I feel like myself again. I think that’s the biggest thing that I’ve figured out—is that I gotta get a good sweat in pretty much every day in order to function.”
While wellness trends are constantly evolving, one of her favorite practices is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. “I’ve been a huge acupuncture girl forever,” she says. Infrared saunas are also her jam, preferring heat over other popular chilly treatments.
“I can’t get into the cold tub thing. My husband’s like, ‘I heard that could make you feel like you don’t need a cup of coffee.’ I actually enjoy having a cup of coffee,” she jokes.
She’s also a proponent of lymphatic drainage, considering how much time she spends flying and on her feet, as well as NAD.
“I’m on a whole NAD journey,” Andrews shares. “I’ve been doing that for the last six months. I know a lot of the athletes do it as well for inflammation, they do it for immune system, they do it for cellular health. I love all that, too.”
When it comes to Super Bowl LIX, Andrews has a prediction to share.
“We’re going to have a great, great game,” she says. “I can’t really choose the team, and I wouldn’t even know who to choose in this matchup. I feel like, on both sides of the ball, it’s so evenly stacked up. There are such amazing storylines for both teams. Their fan bases are super fun. I think the broadcast coverage is going to be fantastic. I think people are in for an all-around great, great day on Super Bowl Sunday.”
