Latest news with #dryeye
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Optometrist Dr. Selina McGee Highlights the Dry Eye Epidemic and New Skincare Solutions with YourUpdateTV
Dr. Selina McGee Teams with OPTASE to Discuss the Warning Signs of Dry Eye Disease and Treatment Options NEW YORK, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dry eye disease affects millions and is increasingly driven by prolonged screen time, dry indoor environments, and everyday beauty products that can inadvertently irritate or damage the eyes. Nearly half of Americans experience symptoms such as stinging, burning, fluctuating vision, or gritty eyes, often dismissing them as normal fatigue. Untreated dry eyes can progress to inflammation, damage to the eye's surface, and even long-term issues with tear production. Recently, Optometrist and Founder of Bespoke Vision, Dr. Selina McGee teamed up with OPTASE on a nationwide media tour to discuss the warning signs for dry eyes and treatment options that can help. One of the most overlooked triggers of dry eye is screen time. Prolonged staring at screens reduces both the frequency and completeness of blinking, disrupting the tear film and accelerating evaporation. Combined with dry indoor air or air conditioning, this can lead to persistent eye discomfort throughout the day. Dr. McGee also highlighted the impact of makeup and skincare products on eye health. Many common formulations contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or surfactants that can migrate into the eyes, exacerbating dryness and inflaming the glands responsible for keeping them lubricated and comfortable. For gentle daily care, Dr. McGee recommended the OPTASE® LIFE product line, designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin around the eyes. The Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover features just seven ingredients—including Ionized Water, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Manuka Honey—to cleanse thoroughly without irritating the eye area. The Sensitive Eye Daily Renewal Cream contains 13 ingredients, including Glycerin and Vitamin E, and offers 48 hours of hydration while helping restore the skin's natural barrier and reducing the appearance of fine lines. For daytime relief, OPTASE® Intense Drops provide fast-acting, preservative-free moisture, ideal for long workdays or extended digital use. All products are available at with 20% off OPTASE® LIFE products using the code LIFE20 at checkout. About Dr. Selina McGee:Dr. Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, is a nationally acclaimed optometrist and the founder of BeSpoke Vision in Edmond, Oklahoma. Known for her expertise in dry eye disease, aesthetics, and ocular surface health, Dr. McGee blends advanced medical training with a personalized, patient-first approach to eye care. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves on numerous professional advisory boards. Dr. McGee is passionate about educating patients and providers alike on the impact of lifestyle, beauty routines, and technology on long-term eye health. * YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of OPTASE. Dante MuccigrossoDirector of Media Integration & Client ReportingE: dantem@ 973.524.0104 A video accompanying this release is available at
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Battling Dry Eyes? Here's What Actually Helps
Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME (Source Images: Digicomphoto—Science, Isabel Pavia—Getty Images) Last October, when Talia Rotenberg was traveling to Europe, her eyes became bloodshot, watery, and painful—the same feeling she would expect if she had a torn contact lens in her eye. She was baffled, but assumed the unfamiliar environment might be triggering some sort of allergy. When she got back home to Los Angeles, however, the symptoms persisted. Rotenberg, who's 31, was surprised when her eye doctor told her what was going on: She had dry eye disease. 'I'd never really heard of dry eyes,' she says. Flash forward a year, and her days are consumed with managing her condition; she's traded her contacts for glasses, and even the slightest AC breeze bothers her eyes. She recently started new prescription eye drops, and hopes to see improvement within a few months. Dry eyes affect millions of people each year, and research suggests the condition is on the rise. Yet, like Rotenberg, many people are surprised by their diagnosis—dry eyes aren't on their radar. 'People know their eyes are being bothered, but they don't know why,' says Dr. Penny Aswell, a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center who has researched dry eyes. Many people put off seeing an eye doctor. 'A lot of them are out there walking around with dry eyes, and they're not being taken care of.' We asked experts exactly what it means to have dry eyes, why it happens, and how to find relief. What is dry eye disease? Our eyes need to be well-lubricated all day in order for us to be comfortable and see clearly. For that to happen, there needs to be adequate tear film (a layer of fluid) on the surface of the eye, says Dr. Daniel Brocks, a corneal specialist and chief medical officer of BostonSight, a nonprofit that treats people with severe dry eye disease. When there's not enough tear film—either because your eyes don't make enough tears, or because the tears don't work correctly—you end up with dry eyes. People with dry eyes commonly experience 'irritation, or a sensation like grittiness or sand in the eye—we call it foreign body sensation, like there's constantly a lash in the eye,' Brocks says. 'You might also have red and inflamed eyes and sensitivity to light, all the way up to severe pain and inability to open the eyes.' Many people describe stinging or burning in their eyes and blurry vision; over time, infections and ulcers can develop. Read More: Should You Shower in the Morning or at Night? Research suggests that dry eye disease makes people less productive at work; the worse the dryness, the lower the person's productivity. That extends beyond the workplace, too. 'We get patients coming in who say, 'I can't read as much as I want to. It's interfering with my driving,'' Aswell says. Dry eye disease can be debilitating, Brocks stresses. 'People truly suffer and can't go outside or partake in their daily activities,' he says. 'It really runs their lives.' What causes dry eyes? Dry eyes are most common among people ages 50 and over—though even kids can be affected—and women are at greater risk than men, Aswell says. Wearing contacts also plays a role: The thin lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, interfere with the production of tears, and generally irritate and dry out the eyes. Plus, dry eye disease is often linked to autoimmune conditions like lupus and Sjögren's syndrome. One survey suggests that 95% of people with Sjögren's, for example, suffer from dry eyes. Environmental factors can contribute, too. Living in a dry area is much more difficult than living somewhere that's humid year-round. 'A humid environment is much more gentle on your eyes—there's more moisture in the air,' Brocks says. 'We'll even have patients who literally move from [the North] down to Florida or whatever more humid location to have a better life.' Read More: The Best Science-Backed Way to Stop Chafing When patients come in complaining about dry eyes, Brocks usually asks how many glasses of water they drink each day, as well as how much coffee. 'Caffeine is a diuretic—it gets rid of moisture—so some people just have the wrong balance of providing their body with proper moisture,' he says. He tells them to drink more water and cut back on caffeine, and when they come back for a follow-up, their eyes are dramatically less dry. Certain medications, like those taken to lower blood pressure, can also exacerbate dry eyes. Allergy medications, including oral antihistamines, can cause or worsen the situation, too. 'I always recommend anyone who has dry eyes have their doctors take a look at those medications, and sometimes there can be adjustments,' Brocks says. Lifestyle and environmental modifications One of the biggest reasons why dry eye disease is on the rise has to do with increased screen time. Blinking plays an essential role in tear production, and while our normal blink rate is about 15 to 20 blinks per minute, that plummets to 4 to 6 blinks per minute when we're looking at a screen. 'That can absolutely factor into dryness,' says Dr. Ami Vadada, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and ophthalmologist at AdvantageCare Physicians in New York. To counteract the problem, she suggests following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away from your screen for 20 seconds, which gives your eyes a much-needed break. There are other things you can do at home. Artificial tears and lubricants, which are sold over the counter in a variety of brands, mimic your own tears and help rewet the eyes. 'They can be used as often as you need,' Vadada says. 'You can't overdose on them.' She encourages patients to use gel drops at bedtime—they can cause blurred vision, which is why nighttime use is best, but they're thicker than liquid drops and stay in the eye for longer. Many people also find it soothing to run a towel under warm water and gently massage their eyes, Vadada says. Certain environmental modifications can help, too. Vadada suggests using a humidifier at home to keep your surroundings moist, and avoiding direct winds, like those blasting out of the AC in your car. 'You don't want to put the air conditioning directly into your face, which can dry out the eyes,' she says. More aggressive treatment options In particularly severe cases—especially when someone has an underlying autoimmune disease—OTC eye drops and lifestyle modifications will likely fall short. Some patients benefit from punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts that help block the drainage of tears, helping the eyes retain more moisture. The procedure is quick and happens in the eye doctor's office; typically, a patient's eyes are numbed before the plug is inserted. 'When the person makes tears, those tears will still go down the drain, but much more slowly,' Brocks says. 'It's like putting a plug in a sink.' A variety of prescription eye drops also exist, and more are in the pipeline—Brocks describes it as 'an area of huge growth.' One of the most effective options is cyclosporine, which reduces inflammation in the eyes and increases tear production. There's even a nasal spray called Tyrvaya designed to activate the nerves in the nose, which in turn stimulates tear production in the eyes. Brocks' patients with severe dry eyes sometimes benefit from autologous serum eye drops, which are made from a patient's own blood. 'It's been known for a while that there are a lot of healing properties in our blood, so we'll send some patients to a lab to have them get a blood draw, and the lab will spin down their blood and take the clear liquid portion called the serum,' he says. 'They'll mix that with an artificial tear and create serum tears, which are drops given to you to use anywhere from four to 10 times a day.' They help heal the surface of the eye, in the process alleviating bothersome symptoms, and are 'quite effective' for some people, he says. According to one randomized study, patients who used serum eye drops experienced significant improvement after two weeks of treatment. Read More: What to Do About Your Red, Itchy Eyes Another technique, called amniotic membrane graft, involves placing thin layers of tissue from a donated placenta onto the surface of the eye to promote healing. Amniotic membranes have anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit the surface of the eye. 'It's sterilized and put into a contact lens,' Brocks says. 'That's placed on the eye for a short period, usually five to seven days, and then it dissolves. It has a lot of healing properties that can't be found anywhere else.' In one study, the treatment improved symptoms for about 88% of participants who had been experiencing dry eyes; the researchers also noted that no adverse effects were reported. Brocks focuses much of his attention these days on scleral lenses, which are large-diameter contact lenses that rest on the whites of the eyes, keeping the cornea hydrated and protecting it from irritation. 'They're customized to each person's eye,' he says. 'The lens is filled with saline every morning—it's like a bowl, basically, and then that bowl is placed on the eye, and you've created this moisture chamber for the eye.' Looking forward, Brocks is optimistic about how treatment options might improve for people with dry eye disease. 'There's a lot of new mechanisms being found, and there's a lot of new medications in the pipeline that people are waiting for,' he says. 'It's one of these diseases that's a little more complex than it sounds, and extremely common, especially as age increases. There's such a variety of things that can cause it that we try to pinpoint,' and increasingly, an effective selection of current and emerging treatments. Contact us at letters@
Health Line
08-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Know When You Have Dry Eye and Getting It Diagnosed Properly
Key takeaways Diagnosing dry eye involves a comprehensive eye exam, including a detailed medical history and specific tests to measure tear production and quality. Common diagnostic tests include the Schirmer test, tear breakup time, and ocular surface staining. Identifying the underlying cause of dry eye is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Accurate diagnosis helps your doctor tailor treatment strategies to your individual needs. Once you receive a diagnosis, follow-up appointments are important to monitor treatment effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Learning how to manage your symptoms and make any lifestyle changes is also essential. There are many things that can make your eyes dry. Simple environmental conditions can cause dry eyes, but you could also have conditions that change the way your eyes make or use tears. This article will explore some of the causes of dry eye, as well as what you might want to know about dry eye disease and how it can be treated. What is dry eye? Eye dryness can develop for all kinds of reasons, and it's a problem that affects millions of people every year. Weather conditions, wearing contact lenses, certain medical conditions, or changes in the way your eye makes or uses tears can all lead to dry eyes. In many cases, dry eye isn't a serious condition and is at most a discomfort or inconvenience. In severe cases, though, dry eyes can impact your vision and cause severe pain. There are many ways to manage dry eyes, ranging from over-the-counter (OTC) medications, to prescription treatments and even surgery. The first step in managing dry eye is to find out the precise cause and scope of the problem. What tests can help diagnose dry eye? If you're experiencing dry eye, an eye doctor and healthcare team will want to know when the problem started and what kinds of things might make it worse. Two questionnaires that an eye doctor can use to gather information that may help diagnose dry eye include: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI): OSDI is a 12-question survey that can quickly determine the symptoms you might have showing irritated eyes and how they have impacted your vision during the past week. It uses a 0 to 4 scale, ranging from 'none of the time' to 'all of the time.' Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE): SANDE is is very brief, made up of only two questions, and uses a visual scale that helps determine both severity and frequency of dry eye symptoms, ranging from 'rarely' to 'all of the time.' Below are some other eye examinations that can help provide clues: Slit lamp test This test uses a microscope and a thin, bright light that will help a doctor or healthcare professional examine the surface of your eye. With this test, a doctor will be able to see if your eyes are producing enough tears. Schirmer's test This is another test that can help a doctor check for adequate tear production. For this test, numbing eye drops will be placed in your eye, and a small piece of paper will be placed on the edge of your eyelid. You'll be asked to close your eyes for 5 minutes, and at the end of that time, a doctor will observe how much moisture has collected on the paper. Tear break-up time This test checks how long your natural tears stay on the surface of your eye. A small amount of dye is placed into your eye during this test, and you'll be asked to blink so that the dye covers the entire surface of your eye. You'll then be asked to look ahead without blinking or moving your eye. The amount of time the dye covers your eye will help indicate how well your eye retains moisture. Dye that dissipates quickly could indicate a dry eye problem. What causes dry eye? Some common factors that cause dry eye may include: age biological sex environmental conditions inefficient tear production, or a decrease in the quality of the tears your eye is producing tears evalopating too quickly In a basic eye exam, a doctor will also review your medical history and any medications you're taking. There are several medications and conditions that can cause your eyes to dry out, including: Sjögren's disease lupus rheumatoid arthritis menopause stroke Bell's palsy diabetes some blood pressure medications beta-blockers diuretics antidepressants anti-anxiety medications antipsychotics decongestants antihistamines certain contraceptives Can you have dry eye and not know it? Eye dryness is a condition that's difficult to miss, but it's also possible that you could notice eye pain or vision changes more than dryness. If you're having problems seeing, or you feel like there's something floating in your eye, dryness might be the real problem. Regular eye examinations can help a doctor monitor the health of your eyes and how well tears are being produced and used. Finding the best eye doctor and insurance coverage Although you might first discuss eye dryness or irritation with a primary care physician, you'll likely be sent to an optometrist or ophthalmologist to pinpoint the underlying cause of your problem and guide treatment. An optometrist is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis and management of both internal and external eye diseases, and an ophthalmologist usually specializes in surgical procedures on the eye. There are several reasons why you might be sent to either of these specialists, and you should check with your health insurance plan about coverage before your appointment. Not every medical insurance plan includes coverage for eye issues. However, medical insurance coverage may at times be used for eye problems related to other conditions such as diabetes-related retinopathy. Eye problems that are typically covered under vision insurance may be denied by a medical insurance plan. Vision care is usually covered under a separate vision insurance plan. Even with a medical reason to see an optometrist or a vision plan that covers eye care, you may want to check with your insurance plan on your share of the cost responsibility before your appointment. Different types of plans and different levels of specialists might require high copayments or fees. How do you treat dry eye once it's diagnosed? How your dry eye is treated will depend a lot on what's causing the problem. Dry eye caused by wearing contacts, wind, or other environmental factors may be able to be treated simply with OTC lubricating drops or warm compresses. More severe cases of dry might be treated with special artificial tears, other lubricating drops or ointments, or prescription eye drops that target excessive tear evaporation like Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane) or inflammation like Vevye (cyclosporine). In some cases, surgery may even be required to help clear blocked tear ducts or repair other abnormalities that might be harming tear production and quality. In addition to these treatments, a healthcare team may recommend a number of things that can help reduce eye dryness and irritation. Examples include things such as: using air filters in your home adding humidification to your air protecting your eyes from the wind avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants giving your eyes a break from computer screens or other sources of eye strain considering adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet or taking them each day as supplements practicing good eyelid hygiene by washing gently with mild soaps and water and rinsing well There a number of other ways to treat chronic dry eye, so consider consulting your eye care team for more options that might be helpful. Takeaway There are several medical conditions and particular eye diseases that can cause you to have pain from dry eyes, but the culprit can also be as simple as wind, contact lenses, or even cold medications. If you experience pain regularly from dry eyes, have repeated eye irritation, or notice changes in your vision, talk with a healthcare professional or eye care specialist about finding the underlying cause of your problem and identifying the best course of treatment.
Health Line
08-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Surgery for Chronic Dry Eye: What to Know
Key takeaways If artificial tears and prescription eye drops don't relieve chronic dry eye symptoms, there are several surgical options to consider. Punctal plugs, thermal cautery, and intense pulsed light therapy are minimally invasive surgical options that can help retain moisture in the eyes or improve gland function. While LASIK surgery can initially cause dry eye, it may improve pre-existing conditions, and temporary measures like punctal plugs can help manage dryness after surgery. A thorough evaluation by an eye specialist is necessary to determine the most appropriate surgical option based on the underlying cause and severity of dry eye. Before deciding on surgery, discuss expectations and potential risks with your doctor. Post-surgical care and follow-up are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure and manage any complications. If you've tried several nonsurgical dry eye treatments and still have chronic dry eye symptoms, surgery may be an option. However, surgery isn't the first treatment recommended for dry eyes. A doctor will likely want to exhaust all other treatment methods before recommending surgical procedures. Common nonsurgical dry eye disease treatments include: artificial tears prescription eye drops that help your eyes produce more tears warm compresses or other ointments or drops to help treat underlying conditions that may cause dry eyes Sometimes these treatments aren't enough. If your eyes still feel dry and uncomfortable, a doctor may recommend one of the following dry eye surgeries. Types of surgery for dry eye A doctor may recommend one of several dry eye surgical procedures if other treatment options don't work for you. While these procedures are minimally invasive, they may cause side effects. Punctal plugs A punctal plug is a barrier in the tear duct that partially or fully blocks your natural tears from draining away from your eyes. This helps keep your eyes moisturized. There are two types of punctal plugs: Temporary punctal plugs. These are made from collagen or another material that the body dissolves and absorbs within a few days to months. A doctor may recommend this option so you can test it out or following a surgical procedure like LASIK. Semi-permanent plugs. These are often made from silicone or acrylic. They can last for years. A doctor can remove them later on if needed. Both types of plugs are inserted into the puncta, which are small openings where tears naturally drain from your eyes. Semi-permanent plugs are sometimes inserted farther down, in a part of the tear duct known as the canaliculus. Inserting punctal plugs is a noninvasive procedure. A doctor may or may not provide local anesthesia to numb the area. You might feel pressure as the devices are inserted. Most people can resume their regular activities immediately. You may notice an irritated or scratchy feeling near where your doctor inserted the plugs. Most people get used to this feeling. Other rarer issues can include: the plug coming out or moving around an improper fit, which may cause the plug to rub against your eye increased risk of infection watery eyes tear duct irritation Thermal cautery Thermal cautery is a minimally invasive surgery where a doctor uses heat to close the tear ducts and prevent moisture loss. It's usually recommended if punctal plugs don't work. Your doctor may cauterize the opening to your tear ducts permanently. Or the puncta may be cauterized superficially, so they're easy to reopen in the future. The area will be numbed during the procedure, which typically takes a few minutes. It's important to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes after the procedure. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. Intense pulsed light therapy Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common cause of dry eye disease. People with this condition produce abnormal meibum, an oily substance that prevents tears from evaporating from the eyes. A 2023 review concluded that intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may effectively treat dry eyes in people with MGD. IPL therapy is a noninvasive procedure that's often used to treat skin conditions such as rosacea. Pulses of light are used to selectively destroy vascular structures in the eyelid. This can help reduce inflammation and improve how the meibomian glands function. Before you undergo this procedure, a protective gel will be spread around your eyes and you'll be given goggles to wear. A doctor will then use a device to send flashes of light into the skin surrounding your eye. You'll need to apply a special sunblock to treated areas for 48 hours after IPL therapy. You may need four separate follow-up sessions for the most effective treatment. Laser surgery Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery to correct your vision often causes temporary dry eye. It may also improve preexisting dry eye. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, about 60 percent of people in an FDA study who reported dry eye prior to LASIK said they noticed improvements following the procedure. Because LASIK surgery commonly makes eyes dry while they heal, a doctor may recommend inserting temporary punctal plugs or using other dry eye treatments. Minor gland salivary autotransplant Severe dry eye syndrome is sometimes linked to rare disorders, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or ocular cicatricial mucous membrane pemphigoid. Medications and most surgical procedures don't correct dry eye in people with these conditions. This can eventually cause blindness. If you have severe and otherwise untreatable dry eye, a doctor may recommend minor gland salivary autotransplant. This relatively new procedure involves implanting a salivary gland in place of your tear duct to keep your eyes moisturized. Consider speaking with a doctor if you'd like to learn more. Cost The cost for dry eye surgery varies based on: where you live the procedure you undergo your insurance coverage A doctor can help you understand more about the cost of the surgery you're considering. If you have health insurance, you can call your provider to discuss whether a procedure is covered and how much you'll have to pay out of pocket. Dry eyes after surgery LASIK surgery can often cause ocular side effects, such as dry eye, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. However, these symptoms are usually mild and temporary. Dry eye almost always improves within a few months, once the eye fully heals. Cataract surgery may also cause dry eye, but this will usually get better with time. In the meantime, doctors can recommend other dry eye treatments. These may include punctal plugs or artificial tears. When to consider surgery You may want to consider surgery for dry eye if other treatments don't effectively prevent or treat your symptoms. Talk with a doctor if: Your symptoms don't improve. Your symptoms get worse. Your treatment stops working.
National Post
01-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Bausch + Lomb Combines Patient Voices and New Survey Insights to Combat Persistent Misconceptions about Dry Eye
Article content 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 including opportunity to share your own dry eye story Article content VAUGHAN, Ontario — Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, today launched ' Eyes Tell the Story: The Impact of Dry Eye.' The campaign aims to educate about dry eye through personal stories, compelling imagery and new survey data, and encourages people with symptoms to speak with their eye doctor to find relief. Article content Article content Eyes Tell the Story Article content builds upon Article content , an educational campaign launched in 2024 that featured data and insights from the company's first Article content State of Dry Eye Article content survey Article content , 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: Article content 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, including 68% of OTC users and 53% of prescription users 43% of sufferers incorrectly thought or weren't sure dry eye was a temporary condition and 42% didn't know or weren't sure it requires long-term treatment Article content The cornerstone of Eyes Tell the Story is a collaboration with photographer and artist Kayte Demont, 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 Alvin Wayne, an interior designer, lifestyle content creator and men's health advocate whose dry eye symptoms are exacerbated by long working hours, and Brianne Manz, 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. Article content 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. Article content 'Approximately 150 million U.S. adults experience occasional or frequent symptoms of dry eye, with around 38 million living with chronic dry eye, also known as dry eye disease,' said Yehia Hashad, MD, executive vice president, Research & Development and chief medical officer, Bausch + Lomb. ' By spotlighting these personal stories, we hope to help more people recognize their dry eye symptoms sooner so they will seek and find relief.' 1,2 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: Article content '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.' Article content 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. Article content About Dry Eye Article content 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. Article content About the Survey Article content The research was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Bausch + Lomb among 732 U.S. adults aged 18 or older considered 'DED sufferers' (defined as those who often/always experience eye dryness or have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with dry eye disease). Of those 732,347 take only an over-the-counter product to treat their dry eye and 385 take a prescription medication for their dry eye. The survey was conducted between March 24 and April 21, 2025. Article content 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. Article content Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ±4.8 using a 95% confidence level for total dry eye sufferers, ±6.5 for Rx Users, and ±6.6 for OTC Only users. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. Article content 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 Article content About Bausch + Lomb Article content 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 Vaughan, Ontario, with corporate offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey. For more information, visit and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media: Article content Article content Kristy Marks Article content Article content Article content Article content
