Key Takeaways

  • Bausch + Lomb announced findings of its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, conduction online by The Harris Poll in May 2026 among 1,000 participants with dry eye.
  • One in five participants reported dry eye symptoms affect their self-confidence (22%) and emotional wellbeing (20%), and those treated with prescription eye drops versus OTC products were more likely to report substantial improvements in quality of life.
  • The survey also highlighted a lack of awareness that dry eye symptoms may be linked to hormonal changes and systemic inflammation from coexisting conditions.

Bausch + Lomb announced new findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, which reveals that the effects of dry eye can extend beyond the burden of physical symptoms, affecting how patients view their emotional health and wellbeing. This year’s survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll in May 2026 among 1,000 participants with dry eye who were using either a prescription treatment or an OTC product.

The results showed that one in five participants reported dry eye symptoms affect their self-confidence (22%) and emotional wellbeing (20%). Additionally, about one in three stated their dry eye symptoms affect their stress/anxiety level (33%), and nearly three in ten reported negative effects on their productivity (29%) and mood (28%). The survey also found that, overall, those treated with prescription eye drops versus OTC products were more likely to report near-total or substantial improvement in various aspects of life after starting treatment, including self-confidence, productivity, emotional well-being, and mood.

In addition, the survey highlighted a lack of awareness that dry eye symptoms may be linked to hormonal changes and systemic inflammation from coexisting conditions:

  • 90% of participants did not know that dry eye symptoms may be associated with menopause
  • 78% of participants did not know dry eye symptoms could be associated with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis

“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 of Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer at Bausch + Lomb, in a press release from the company. “These insights reinforce that dry eye is a complex condition and addressing symptoms not only provides physical relief—it helps patients feel better holistically.”