Bausch + Lomb Survey Links Dry Eye Symptom Management with Quality-of-Life Improvements

Thursday, July 2 2026 | 10 h 36 min | News

Bausch + Lomb Corporation has released new findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, suggesting that dry eye symptoms may affect more than physical comfort, with some respondents reporting impacts on emotional wellbeing, stress, productivity and self-confidence.

The online survey was conducted by The Harris Poll in May 2026 among 1,000 U.S. adults identified as dry eye sufferers who were using either a prescription treatment or an over-the-counter product.

According to Bausch + Lomb, one in five respondents said their dry eye symptoms affected their self-confidence, while a similar proportion reported an impact on emotional wellbeing. About one in three said their symptoms affected their stress or anxiety levels, while nearly three in ten reported effects on productivity and mood.

Among respondents who said their stress or anxiety levels were affected by dry eye symptoms, 73% reported improvement following treatment. The company also reported that respondents using prescription eye drops were more likely than those using over-the-counter products to report near-total or substantial improvement in several areas of daily life, including self-confidence, productivity, emotional wellbeing and mood. Bausch + Lomb noted that the over-the-counter-only base for some comparisons was fewer than 100 respondents.

The findings are based on self-reported survey data and should be interpreted as an association between symptom management and reported quality-of-life improvements, rather than proof of a direct causal relationship.

The survey also identified gaps in awareness about conditions that may be associated with dry eye symptoms. Bausch + Lomb reported that 90% of respondents did not know dry eye symptoms may be associated with menopause. Nearly eight in ten did not know that dry eye symptoms could be associated with autoimmune conditions in general. Awareness of specific associations was lower, with fewer than 10% of respondents aware that dry eye symptoms could be associated with lupus, type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Andrew Stewart, president, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, Bausch + Lomb, said the findings reinforce the complexity of dry eye and the importance of speaking with an eye care professional about symptoms.

Bausch + Lomb directs patients seeking additional information about dry eye to KnowYourDryEye.com.

Source: Bausch + Lomb

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