VAUGHAN, Ontario—During July's Dry Eye Awareness campaign, Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a global eye health company, has shared results from the company’s inaugural State of Dry Eye survey, which explores American adults' experiences of living with dry eye. Dry eye is increasingly common and can range from occasional symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease, according to the survey. The survey revealed that 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.

Additionally, most respondents don’t realize that symptoms of dry eye are increasingly present in younger people, the survey noted, and two in five are unaware that untreated dry eye can lead to other 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,” said Yehia Hashad, MD, 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. That’s why we developed the website called knowyourdryeye.com to help facilitate these conversations.”

Some of the key findings from the 2024 ‘State of Dry Eye’ survey include the following:

  • Most respondents (66 percent) 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.

  • Most Americans (70 percent) don’t know much about preventing or treating dry eye. Over half of sufferers (52 percent) think dry eyes are difficult to address and are something people must learn to live with.

  • More than two in five (44 percent) respondents don’t know that untreated dry eye can lead to other eye problems and even vision loss.
“Most people think of dry eye as a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can drastically affect one’s daily life,” said 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.”

According to the survey, there are a broad range of options for those with dry eye, from over-the-counter eye drops and nutritional supplements to prescription medications. Those experiencing symptoms should see an eye doctor to discuss what may be best for them, the company said. Learn more here.