Bausch + Lomb survey finds dry eye symptoms linked to emotional health impacts

Bausch + Lomb Corporation released findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, showing that dry eye symptoms affect not only physical comfort but also patients' emotional wellbeing. The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll between May 4 and May 15, 2026, among 1000 U.S. adults aged 18 or older classified as dry eye disease (DED) sufferers — defined as those who often or always experience eye dryness or have been diagnosed with the condition by a healthcare professional. Of the respondents, 589 use a prescription medication for their dry eye and 411 use only an OTC product.

According to the survey, one in five sufferers reported that dry eye symptoms affect their self-confidence (22%) and emotional wellbeing (20%). About one in three said symptoms affect their stress or anxiety levels (33%), while nearly three in ten reported effects on productivity (29%) and mood (28%). Among those who said stress or anxiety was affected, 73% reported improvement following treatment.

The survey also compared outcomes between prescription and OTC users. Prescription users were more likely to report near-total or substantial improvement across several measures: 64% reported improved self-confidence compared with 25% of OTC users, and 60% reported improved productivity compared with 43% of OTC users. More than half of prescription users reported improved emotional wellbeing (59% vs. 34% of OTC users) and mood (52% vs. 38% of OTC users). The company noted that the OTC-only base for these comparisons was fewer than 100 respondents.

The survey further identified gaps in awareness regarding potential links between dry eye and other health conditions. Ninety percent of sufferers were unaware that dry eye symptoms may be associated with menopause, and 78% were unaware of a possible connection to autoimmune conditions generally. Awareness of specific conditions was lower still: 8% of sufferers knew dry eye could be associated with lupus, 8% knew of a possible link to type 1 diabetes, and 7% knew of a possible link to rheumatoid arthritis.

Andrew Stewart, president, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer at Bausch + Lomb, said in the release: "We know from our previous State of Dry Eye surveys that the physical symptoms of dry eye present challenges in everyday life, and the newest findings reveal another profound burden: a noticeable impact on emotional health and well-being. These insights reinforce that dry eye is a complex condition and addressing symptoms not only provides physical relief – it helps patients feel better holistically. We urge anyone who is suffering to speak with an eye care professional."

Dry eye can result from insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, and can be influenced by lifestyle, medications, hormonal changes, age, environment, and co-existing conditions. The company said most people who develop dry eye disease also have underlying inflammation. Management options include OTC eye drops, prescription medications, and nutritional supplements.

Additional information is available at Bausch + Lomb’s website.

Reference:

1. New Bausch + Lomb data show that addressing dry eye symptoms is associated with improved quality of life, including lower anxiety and increased self-confidence. News release. Bausch + Lomb. July 1, 2026. Accessed July 1, 2026. https://www.bausch.com/newsroom/news/?id=350