July 11, 2024 — Bausch + Lomb has released the results of its inaugural State of Dry Eye survey, which examines understanding and experiences of dry eye among adults in the U.S.

Findings reveal that most respondents may not recognize symptoms like redness, fluctuating vision, and a gritty feeling as related to dry eye. Most survey respondents are unaware that dry eye symptoms are increasingly common among younger people, and 2 in 5 do not know that untreated dry eye can lead to further eye problems, such as fluctuating vision.

“The prevalence of dry eye is growing, particularly among a younger demographic in large part due to modern lifestyles and heavy digital device use,” says Yehia Hashad, M.D., executive vice president, research & development and chief medical officer, Bausch + Lomb. “The survey results underscore the importance of raising awareness of dry eye so sufferers are empowered to speak with an eyecare professional and seek relief.”

The following are key findings from the 2024 State of Dry Eye Survey:

• Seventy-five percent of dry eye sufferers find it extremely or very bothersome: 31% say their symptoms have worsened over time, 81% are constantly aware of their symptoms, and 46% report experiencing such severe symptoms that they can "hear themselves blink.”
• Sixty-seven percent of respondents have had to cut back on activities to relieve symptoms, including screen time (32%), spending time outdoors (25%), and wearing makeup (24%). Further, respondents report that symptoms create the biggest impact on reading (45%), device use (35%), and driving (31%).
• Most respondents (70%) don’t know much about preventing or treating dry eye. While many report regularly experiencing symptoms like tired eyes (38%), sensitivity to light (27%), and redness (19%), only 15% recognize these as related to dry eye.
• Despite it being the primary way to be evaluated for dry eye, 43% don’t routinely see an eye doctor.
• Sixty-six percent don’t know that younger people are increasingly affected by dry eye, likely due to lifestyle changes like increased screen time.
• More than half (52%) of respondents believe dry eye is difficult to address and must be lived with, and 44% don’t know untreated dry eye can lead to other eye problems and vision loss.

“Most people think of dry eye as a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can drastically affect one's daily life," says Rebecca Petris, co-founder and president, Dry Eye Foundation. "Early symptoms are often misunderstood, downplayed, ignored, or self-treated. People need to know their symptoms warrant a visit to the eye doctor so they can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. For people with dry eye, the good news is treatment and symptom management options are available. People are finding relief."

Bausch + Lomb has developed an online resource, KnowYourDryEye.com, to help educate the public about the condition.