Bausch + Lomb Corporation launched “Eyes Tell the Story: The Impact of Dry Eye.” The campaign aims to educate about dry eye through personal stories, compelling imagery and new survey data, and encourages people with symptoms to speak with their eye doctor to find relief.
Eyes Tell the Story builds upon Know Your Dry Eye, an educational campaign launched in 2024 that featured data and insights from the company’s first State of Dry Eye survey, which showed the majority of Americans may not know that their eye symptoms are associated with eye dryness, despite the growing prevalence of dry eye. This year’s survey, conducted among dry eye sufferers who are using either a prescription treatment or over-the-counter (OTC) product, further supports the need for more patient education and to dispel ongoing misconceptions surrounding dry eye. Key findings include:
- The majority (78%) of sufferers strongly or somewhat agree they wish they had more resources and education on dry eye
- Despite most sufferers feeling satisfied in their personal understanding of dry eye, 62% of sufferers mistakenly assume or aren’t sure if dry eye resolves itself after some treatment, including 68% of OTC users and 53% of prescription users
- 43% of sufferers incorrectly thought or weren’t sure dry eye was a temporary condition and 42% didn’t know or weren’t sure it requires long-term treatment
The cornerstone of Eyes Tell the Story is a collaboration with photographer and artist Kayte Demont, who has captured portraits of those like her who are living with the daily disruptions of dry eye symptoms. Featured in Kayte’s work are Alvin Wayne, an interior designer, lifestyle content creator and men’s health advocate whose dry eye symptoms are exacerbated by long working hours, and Brianne Manz, a fashion, lifestyle and parenting blogger, whose symptoms are aggravated by excessive screen time. Kayte, Alvin and Brianne are sharing their stories to help close the awareness gap that exists around dry eye.
This year’s campaign reinforces that there are a range of potential relief options available that may be appropriate depending on the cause, severity and frequency of dry eye symptoms. Dry eye can affect anyone. If someone is particularly aware of how their eyes feel, it may be a sign of dry eye symptoms, and it’s important to consult an eye doctor.
“Approximately 150 million U.S. adults experience occasional or frequent symptoms of dry eye, with around 38 million living with chronic dry eye, also known as dry eye disease,” said Yehia Hashad, MD, executive vice president, Research & Development and chief medical officer, Bausch + Lomb. “By spotlighting these personal stories, we hope to help more people recognize their dry eye symptoms sooner so they will seek and find relief.” 1,2
The survey also underscores the importance of encouraging proactive dry eye management and for patients to work with their eye doctor to determine the appropriate relief options:
- Findings show that despite experiencing symptoms of dry eye, 40% of dry eye sufferers waited six months or more before visiting an eye doctor
- 88% of those treated with a prescription strongly or somewhat agree that they wish they had started their prescription medication for dry eye sooner
- In general, dry eye sufferers want options that are tailored to their needs, with 71% noting the importance of a product that provides consistent relief over time and 50% most want treatment to address eye dryness
“Don’t delay,” said Hashad. “Relief can come in many forms – from over-the-counter drops and nutritional supplements to prescription treatments from a doctor – but the sooner you seek relief, the better.”
To learn more about the Eyes Tell the Story campaign, visit KnowYourDryEye.com, where you can find additional information and dry eye resources. You can also share your own dry eye story via the website, with the potential to be featured in next year’s Dry Eye Awareness Month (July) campaign.
References
- MultiSponsor Surveys, Inc. The 2022 Study of Dry Eye Sufferers. August 2022.
- Ophthalmic Comprehensive Reports. DED 2020 Ophthalmic Landscape Report: Global Analysis for 2019 to 2025, April, 2021.