Bausch + Lomb shared the results from the company’s inaugural State of Dry Eye survey, which explores dry eye understanding and experiences among American adults. The survey, which was conducted online in the United States from April 15-23, 2024, revealed the majority of respondents may not know that their symptoms — which can include redness, fluctuating vision, a scratchy, gritty, tired or heavy feeling or overall eye irritation — may be associated with eye dryness.
According to Yehia Hashad, MD, executive vice president, Research & Development and chief medical officer at Bausch + Lomb, the survey results underscore the importance of raising awareness of dry eye so sufferers are empowered to speak with an eye-care professional and seek relief. "That’s why we developed KnowYourDryEye.com to help facilitate these conversations.” The new online resource aims to increase dry eye awareness and education.
Other key findings from the survey show that dry eye impacts quality of life. For example, three in four dry eye sufferers find it extremely or very bothersome, with 31% saying that their symptoms have worsened over time. Additionally, 81% of dry eye sufferers are constantly aware of how their eyes feel, and close to half of sufferers (46%) report that sometimes their symptoms are so bad they can practically “hear themselves blink.”
Another key finding that the survey highlighted is how dry eye makes it difficult to enjoy day-to-day activities. For example, most dry eye sufferers (67%) had to give up or cut back on something to relieve symptoms, including screen time (32%), spending time outdoors (25%) and wearing makeup (24%). Also, dry eye sufferers report their symptoms have the biggest impact on reading (45%), device use (35%) and driving (31%).
Despite this, the survey showed that most Americans don’t know much about dry eye, what to do about it or that their symptoms may be associated with dry eye. For example, most (70%) don’t know much about preventing or treating dry eye. While respondents reported regularly experiencing symptoms that may be related to dry eye, such as tired eyes (38%), sensitivity to light (27%) and redness (19%), fewer (15%) reported regularly experiencing eye dryness, suggesting people may not recognize their symptoms could be associated with dry eye.
In addition, around two in five Americans (43%) don’t routinely (ie, at least once a year) see an eye doctor, even though it’s the primary way to get evaluated. Also, most respondents (66%) don’t know that symptoms of dry eyes are increasingly present in younger people, which is likely the result of today's modern lifestyles, including increased screen time. And, more half of sufferers (52%) think dry eyes are difficult to address and something people must learn to live with.
Finally, the survey showed that more than two in five (44%) of respondents don’t know that untreated dry eye can lead to other eye problems, such as fluctuating vision and even vision loss.