Bausch + Lomb Combines Patient Voices and New Survey Insights to Combat Persistent Misconceptions about Dry Eye
- New survey data reinforces the importance of ongoing awareness and education to help dry eye sufferers seek relief sooner
- Eyes Tell the Story campaign aims to close the awareness gap through personal stories and portraits of those living with dry eye
- Additional information and dry eye resources available at KnowYourDryEye.com, including opportunity to share your own dry eye story
Eyes Tell the Story builds upon , an educational campaign launched in 2024 that featured data and insights from the company’s first , which showed the majority of Americans may not know that their eye symptoms are associated with eye dryness, despite the growing prevalence of dry eye. This year’s survey, conducted among dry eye sufferers who are using either a prescription treatment or over-the-counter (OTC) product, further supports the need for more patient education and to dispel ongoing misconceptions surrounding dry eye. Key findings include:
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The majority (
78% ) of sufferers strongly or somewhat agree they wish they had more resources and education on dry eye -
Despite most sufferers feeling satisfied in their personal understanding of dry eye,
62% of sufferers mistakenly assume or aren’t sure if dry eye resolves itself after some treatment, including68% of OTC users and53% of prescription users -
43% of sufferers incorrectly thought or weren’t sure dry eye was a temporary condition and42% didn’t know or weren’t sure it requires long-term treatment
The cornerstone of Eyes Tell the Story is a collaboration with photographer and artist , who has captured portraits of those like her who are living with the daily disruptions of dry eye symptoms. Featured in Kayte’s work are , an interior designer, lifestyle content creator and men’s health advocate whose dry eye symptoms are exacerbated by long working hours, and , a fashion, lifestyle and parenting blogger, whose symptoms are aggravated by excessive screen time. Kayte, Alvin and Brianne are sharing their stories to help close the awareness gap that exists around dry eye.
This year’s campaign reinforces that there are a range of potential relief options available that may be appropriate depending on the cause, severity and frequency of dry eye symptoms. Dry eye can affect anyone. If someone is particularly aware of how their eyes feel, it may be a sign of dry eye symptoms, and it’s important to consult an eye doctor.
“Approximately 150 million
The survey also underscores the importance of encouraging proactive dry eye management and for patients to work with their eye doctor to determine the appropriate relief options:
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Findings show that despite experiencing symptoms of dry eye,
40% of dry eye sufferers waited six months or more before visiting an eye doctor -
88% of those treated with a prescription strongly or somewhat agree that they wish they had started their prescription medication for dry eye sooner -
In general, dry eye sufferers want options that are tailored to their needs, with
71% noting the importance of a product that provides consistent relief over time and50% most want treatment to address eye dryness
“Don’t delay,� said Hashad. “Relief can come in many forms � from over-the-counter drops and nutritional supplements to prescription treatments from a doctor � but the sooner you seek relief, the better.�
To learn more about the Eyes Tell the Story campaign, visit , where you can find additional information and dry eye resources. You can also share your own dry eye story via the website, with the potential to be featured in next year’s Dry Eye Awareness Month (July) campaign.
About Dry Eye
Dry eye can be influenced by several factors, including lifestyle, medications, hormonal changes, age, environment and co-morbidities. It may be the result of the eyes not making enough tears or making poor quality tears that evaporate too quickly. The majority of those who progress to dry eye disease also have underlying inflammation. There are a range of options for managing dry eye symptoms, including over-the-counter eye drops, prescription medications and nutritional supplements.
About the Survey
The research was conducted online in the
Data are weighted where necessary by age by gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, employment, household income and political party affiliation to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.
Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of
All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world � from birth through every phase of life. Its comprehensive portfolio of approximately 400 products includes contact lenses, lens care products, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Founded in 1853, Bausch + Lomb has a significant global research and development, manufacturing and commercial footprint with approximately 13,500 employees and a presence in approximately 100 countries. Bausch + Lomb is headquartered in
References
- MultiSponsor Surveys, Inc. The 2022 Study of Dry Eye Sufferers. August 2022.
- Ophthalmic Comprehensive Reports. DED 2020 Ophthalmic Landscape Report: Global Analysis for 2019 to 2025, April, 2021.
©2025 Bausch + Lomb.
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Kristy Marks
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Source: Bausch + Lomb Corporation