VAUGHAN, Ontario—Eye health company Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO) has announced new findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, revealing that the impact of dry eye can extend well beyond the burden of physical symptoms to affect how patients view both their emotional health and their wellbeing. Conducted online by The Harris Poll in May 2026, the survey reached 1,000 dry eye sufferers who were using either a prescription treatment or an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
“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,” said Andrew Stewart, president, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “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 eyecare professional.”
New findings show that one in five sufferers reported dry eye symptoms affect their self-confidence (22 percent) and emotional wellbeing (20 percent), the announcement stated. Additionally, about one in three reported that their dry eye symptoms affect their stress/anxiety level (33 percent), and nearly three in 10 reported impacts to productivity (29 percent) and mood (28 percent).
The survey also explored the impact of dry eye management either with a prescription treatment or an OTC product. Overall, sufferers treated with prescription eye drops were more likely to report near-total or substantial improvement in various aspects of life after starting treatment:
- Approximately six in 10 prescription users reported improved self-confidence (64 percent vs 25 percent of OTC users) and productivity (60 percent vs 43 percent OTC).
- More than half of prescription users reported improved emotional wellbeing (59 percent vs 34 percent OTC) and mood (52 percent vs 38 percent OTC).
The survey also highlighted a significant lack of awareness regarding how dry eye symptoms may be linked to hormonal changes and systemic inflammation from co-existing conditions, the announcement stated. Notably, nine out of 10 sufferers are unaware of potential links to menopause, and nearly eight in 10 are unaware of connections to autoimmune conditions, the announcement stated. Specifically, only 8 percent recognize associations with lupus, 8 percent with type 1 diabetes, and just 7 percent with rheumatoid arthritis.
The research, conducted on behalf of Bausch + Lomb, polled U.S. adults aged 18 years or older who were considered dry eye disease sufferers, defined as those who often or always experience eye dryness or have been diagnosed by an HCP with dry eye disease. Of those, 411 took only an OTC product and 589 took a prescription medication for their dry eye.
In other news, last month, Bausch + Lomb announced the U.S. launch of Blink Triple Care Preservative Free eye drops, which are designed to provide relief for dry eyes without the use of preservatives.
For more information about dry eye, visit https://www.knowyourdryeye.com/.
