State of Dry Eye Survey highlights need for proactive dry eye care, closer patient follow-up

News
Video

Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, shares key takeaways and a personal anecdote relating to the State of Dry Eye survey results.

In the second part of her discussion on the State of Dry Eye Survey from Bausch + Lomb, Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, emphasized another alarming statistic: 40% of dry eye sufferers wait 6 months or longer before visiting an eye doctor, even when experiencing symptoms.

Results from the State of Dry Eye Survey were released on July 1, 2025. If you missed the first part of McGee's exclusive interview with Optometry Times, you can watch it here.

For McGee, this finding underscores an urgent call to action. “We all know with a chronic disease, the longer you wait, the longer the patient suffers,” she explained. Delayed treatment not only extends patient discomfort but can also lead to more advanced disease stages that are harder to manage effectively.

The power of early intervention and listening

Key takeaways for optometrists

  • 40% of dry eye sufferers wait six months or more before seeing an eye doctor.
  • Delaying care worsens symptoms and impacts quality of life.
  • Providers should proactively diagnose and closely monitor patients to adjust treatment as needed.

McGee shared a recent patient story that vividly illustrated this point. A young woman, frustrated by her ongoing symptoms, self-referred to McGee after seeing 3 other doctors who neither diagnosed nor treated her dry eye. After just 2 months of targeted care, the patient expressed profound gratitude, explaining how treatment had improved her day-to-day life—from using a computer comfortably to regaining confidence in wearing makeup.

“This patient reminded me just how deeply dry eye can affect quality of life,” McGee shared. “Patients often don't realize—or aren't told—how significant this disease is, and they’re waiting far too long for relief.”

Meeting patients where they are

According to McGee, these survey insights should inspire eye care professionals to become more proactive in diagnosis and treatment. Whether using over-the-counter products, prescription therapies, or a combination, the goal is to address the underlying disease early and effectively.

She stressed that initial therapy decisions should not be the end point. Instead, providers must follow patients closely, evaluating outcomes and adjusting treatment plans as needed. “If we need to add something, we can say ‘yes, and’ instead of delaying therapy another 6 or 12 months,” McGee explained.

A proactive, continuous approach

McGee urges clinicians to consider these new data as permission to act boldly on behalf of their patients. By being proactive, they can help prevent extended suffering and support significant improvements in quality of life.

Ultimately, the survey findings tie together an important message: patients want help sooner, they need clear communication, and they benefit greatly from consistent follow-up. With the wide range of treatment options available today, eye care professionals are well-equipped to meet patients where they are and guide them toward meaningful, lasting relief.

Newsletter

Want more insights like this? Subscribe to Optometry Times and get clinical pearls and practice tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Recent Videos
Reviewing the State of Dry Eye Survey with Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO.
Jacob Lang, OD, FAAO, details early symptom relief demonstrated in as early as day 1 during AOA's Optometry's Meeting 2025.
Mitch Ibach, OD, FAAO, details the importance to unveiling the underlying cause of dry eye in a CCS 2025 presentation.
Bridgitte Shen Lee, OD, FAAO, FBCLA, FEAOO, ponders what she would like to see develop as both a researcher and a clinician in the dry eye space.
Bridgitte Shen Lee, OD, FAAO, FBCLA, FEAOO, discussed research that utilized IQVIA longitudinal prescription claims data from September through November 2023, coinciding with Miebo's FDA approval in September.
Dr Julie Poteet reports on patient-reported outcomes using lipid-containing artificial tear
Elise Kramer, OD, FAAO, FSLS, describes her take on a multidisciplinary approach to dry eye
Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO, weighs in on patient assessments, staining pattern insights, and diagnostic tips for patients who may have dry eye disease.
Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO; Nate Lighthizer, OD, FAAO; Brianna Rhue, OD, FAAO, FSLS; Ben Casella, OD; and Ben Gaddie, OD, FAAO shared their insights from the conference.
Agatha Sleboda, OD; Arti Shah, OD, FAAO; and Kent J. Nozacki, OD provide the best tips that they give to their patients during natural disasters events in light of the recent Greater Los Angeles wildfires.
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.