Millions of Americans Experience Dry Eye Symptoms, Yet New National Survey Shows Sufferers Struggle to Find Relief

Bausch + Lomb Corporation shared results from the company’s inaugural State of Dry Eye survey, which explores dry eye understanding and experiences among American adults. Dry eye is increasingly common and can range from occasional symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease.

The survey revealed 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, 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. The survey results underscore the importance of raising awareness of dry eye, so sufferers are empowered to speak with an eye care professional and seek relief. That’s why we developed KnowYourDryEye.com to help facilitate these conversations.”

Yehia Hashad, MD, executive vice president, Research & Development and chief medical officer, Bausch + Lomb

Key Findings from the 2024 State of Dry Eye Survey:

Dry eye impacts quality of life.

Three in four dry eye sufferers (75%) find it extremely or very bothersome, with three in 10 saying that their symptoms have worsened over time (31%).
Eight in 10 dry eye sufferers (81%) are constantly aware of how their eyes feel.
Close to half of sufferers (46%) report that sometimes their symptoms are so bad they can practically “hear themselves blink”.

And make it difficult to enjoy day-to-day activities.

Most dry eye sufferers (67%) had to give up or cut back on something to relieve symptoms, including screen time (32%), spending time outdoors (25%) and wearing makeup (24%).
Dry eye sufferers report their symptoms have the biggest impact on reading (45%), device use (35%) and driving (31%).

Despite this, most Americans don’t know much about dry eye, what to do about it or that their symptoms may be associated with dry eye.

Most (70%) don’t know much about preventing or treating dry eye.
While respondents reported regularly experiencing symptoms that may be related to dry eye, such as tired eyes [38%], sensitivity to light [27%], and redness [19%]), fewer (15%) reported regularly experiencing eye dryness, suggesting people may not recognize their symptoms could be associated with dry eye.
Around two in five Americans (43%) don’t routinely (i.e., at least once a year) see an eye doctor, even though it’s the primary way to get evaluated.
Most respondents (66%) 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.
Over half of sufferers (52%) think dry eyes are difficult to address and something people must learn to live with.

If left untreated, dry eye may get worse and progress to dry eye disease, potentially impacting eye health and vision.

More than two in five (44%) of 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. 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.”

Rebecca Petris, co-founder and president, Dry Eye Foundation

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. Learn more at KnowYourDryEye.com.

Click HERE for the press release.

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July 9, 2024November 13, 2025

New Treatment Target for AMD Identified

For people living with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the first line of treatment is anti-VEGF injections. Anti-VEGF injections have been a transformative treatment that can slow the growth of these extra blood vessels and stabilize and in some cases restore vision.

Unfortunately, this treatment does not work for everyone and a new study from the Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia may point to why.

Reported in Science Translational Medicine, researchers found that with increased blood vessel growth, the eye also grows more fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts are cells that make up the connective tissues in our body. These cells release collagen and other proteins that help maintain our body structures. In AMD, more fibroblasts mean more collagen which accumulates and leads to scarring, or fibrosis. This damage prevents the anti-VEGF medication from doing its job and blood vessels continue to grow.

The team also found that blocking or removing a specific receptor found in blood vessels (Adora2a) prevented excess growth of fibroblast cells. Researchers will now investigate if they can develop an antibody or drug to block both the growth of blood vessels and fibrosis.

About Fighting Blindness Canada

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada.

Over our 49-year history, FBC has contributed critical funding for the development of sight-saving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases. By raising and stewarding funds, FBC is helping drive forward research that supports our goal of understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed and how sight can be restored.

We are an invaluable resource for individuals and families impacted by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through our website and educational events, as well as engaging with government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health policies.

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July 5, 2024July 5, 2024

Etnia Barcelona Presents Moi Aussi, an Artistic Project that Merges Art with the World of Optics

Etnia Barcelona presents Moi Aussi by Etnia Barcelona, a creative project driven by Andrea Zampol D’Ortia, optician and art lover, with the aim of becoming a global platform where artists from all over the world can express themselves and make their artistic careers known.

Etnia Barcelona Moi Aussi Abbazia Misericordia — Etnia Barcelona – Moi Aussi – Abbazia Misericordia

Since its beginnings more than 20 years ago, Etnia Barcelona has integrated art into its DNA, considering it as a way of understanding the world. This philosophy is reflected in all its campaigns and collaborations with artists. With Moi Aussi, the Barcelona eyewear brand combines art and optics by working closely with artists and highlighting its leitmotif “BEANARTIST”, which translates as “Rebel Through Art”.

In line with this philosophy and as a tribute to art and artists, the brand goes a step further with the acquisition of the Church Dell’Abbazia Della Misericordia in Venice, a historic space completely rebuilt in the thirteenth century, which will be renovated and fitted out to become the Moi Aussi Creative Laboratory, the place of work and stay of 24 international artists who will be part of the project each year. This laboratory will also be open to other established artists or artistic collectives who wish to exhibit their work in Venice.

MOI AUSSI, A PROJECT THAT TRANSCENDS BOUNDARIES

Moi Aussi is much more than a brand, it is an artistic project conceived as a creative movement that embraces artists from all over the world transcending any cultural border and ensuring that the true purpose of art triumphs over any diversity of culture, religion or ethnicity. Cultural diversity represents the strength of the Moi Aussi artistic community, the meaning of which reflects both the artists’ desire to be part of this community and the beginning of their journey, offering them artistic support and global visibility.

This project, aimed at an art world that is elevated, but also fresh, bold and young, is based on three fundamental pillars: art, emotion and contrast. Moi Aussi represents the artist’s manifesto, which in turn represents these three pillars and the declaration of intentions of this artistic movement.

The Moi Aussi logo is based on the verticality of the architectural elements of the Abbazia della Misericordia: pillars, columns and stained-glass windows. Thus, the purest geometric shapes match the poetry behind the project. This approach symbolizes the unique and distinctive personality of each artist, representing “MOI” as the soul of the artist and “AUSSI” as the sense of belonging to the artistic community, creating a balance between formality and creative expression.

THE CREATIVE LAB BY MOI AUSSI, A SPACE FOR ARTISTIC EXPLORATION

An art commission, formed by specialists from different disciplines of the art world, will be in charge of selecting the artists who will participate annually in this experience.

Each month, THE CREATIVE LAB will host two of these artists, who will live together and create five pieces of art from a pair of glasses frames. These will serve as a canvas for each one of them to create their own work of art with freedom and imagination.

Of these five pieces, one will remain in the Moi Aussi Gallery, another will be exhibited in the Etnia Barcelona museum, two works will be exhibited in art museums around the world and the last piece will be offered for sale through an auction.

All proceeds will be used for reinvestment and sustainability of the Moi Aussi project.

Click HERE for the press release.

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July 5, 2024July 5, 2024

Dive into Trendsetting Style with Aurora

Discover AYA Optical’s Aurora, the pinnacle of contemporary eyewear elegance. This new optical style features an ultra-slim acetate rim and a flattering hexagonal shape, adding sophistication to any ensemble. Designed with an exquisite otter motif by Ojibwe artist Donald Chretien, Aurora is available in baby blue and crystal peach, embodying resilience
and joy.

Distributed by Claudia Alan: www.claudiaalan.com

About AYA Optical:

Celebrate Indigenous Art with Us!

We believe that art is transformative, and that eyewear can be the canvas to share stories and art from around the world. AYA Eyewear was first launched in 2009 in collaboration with renowned First Nations Artist Corrine Hunt and has continued to flourish and grow every year.

We are committed to the details and realize that beautiful design takes time, precision, and attention, so we don’t cut corners. We stand by our product. We treat our artists as our partners and make sure that their stories and art are always shared in the most heartfelt authentic way.

We take pride in our service and seek opportunities to give back to the communities we serve and the artist’s charities of choice.

AYA Eyewear is truly a brand that stands out from the crowd and is loved by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.

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July 5, 2024July 5, 2024

Inspiring Week at CNIB Lake Joe with Mark DeMontis and Canadian Blind Hockey

CNIB Lake Joe, in collaboration with Canadian Blind Hockey, wrapped up an inspiring Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program. From July 1-6, 2024, youth ages 8-18 who are blind or have vision loss gathered at the camp to learn and play the sport of Blind Hockey, focusing on skill development and cultivating a love for the game.

The highlight of the week was the visit from Mark DeMontis, founder of Canadian Blind Hockey and the 2024 recipient of the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. DeMontis joined the camp on July 3 and 4, sharing his journey and inspiring the young athletes. He spoke about the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, symbolizing what can be achieved through dedication and community support.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in activities designed to enhance their hockey skills and build confidence. On-ice sessions were held at Humphrey Arena in Parry Sound, ON, while off-ice activities took place at CNIB Lake Joe in MacTier, ON. Special ball hockey sessions, featuring National Team players as mentors, added excitement and learning opportunities.

Eugene Chong, General Manager of CNIB Lake Joe, expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from Canadian Blind Hockey and the impact of the Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program. “Every child deserves the chance to experience the thrill of playing sports,” Chong stated. “This program not only teaches valuable skills but also instills confidence and fosters a sense of community among participants.”

Introduced at CNIB Lake Joe in 2022, the Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program has grown significantly, attracting more participants each year. The program’s success is due to the collaboration between CNIB and Canadian Blind Hockey, with dedicated staff and volunteers working together to create a supportive and accessible environment for all participants.

Mark DeMontis highlights the remarkable journey of camp participants, many of whom are experiencing Blind Hockey for the first time. “Some have never held a hockey stick before, yet they’re engaged, asking questions, and learning the game,” he shares. “The future of Blind Hockey hinges on the passion and determination of these youth. Supporting their development is my daily motivation. Winning the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is a testament to our community’s dedication to advancing Blind Hockey as a Paralympic sport.”

The event concluded with a celebration of the participants’ achievements, highlighting the skills they developed and the friendships they formed. The Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program continues to pave the way for more inclusive sporting opportunities for youth with vision loss across Canada.

Click HERE for the press release.

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