Bausch + Lomb survey links dry eye treatment to emotional wellbeing

Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO) released findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, showing that dry eye symptoms affect emotional health in addition to physical wellbeing among those surveyed.

The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll in May 2026 among 1,000 U.S. adults who either use a prescription treatment or an over-the-counter (OTC) product for dry eye.

According to the survey, one in five respondents 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 level (33%), and nearly three in ten reported impacts to productivity (29%) and mood (28%).

Among respondents whose stress or anxiety levels were affected, 73% reported improvement following treatment. Prescription eye drop users reported higher rates of improvement across several measures compared to OTC-only users. Approximately 64% of prescription users reported improved self-confidence versus 25% of OTC users, and 59% reported improved emotional wellbeing versus 34% of OTC users. The OTC-only sample base was under 100 respondents.

The survey also found gaps in awareness of dry eye's potential links to other conditions. Nine in ten respondents (90%) were unaware that dry eye symptoms may be associated with menopause. Nearly eight in ten (78%) did not know dry eye could be associated with autoimmune conditions. Specifically, only 8% knew of a potential association with lupus, 8% with type 1 diabetes, and 7% with rheumatoid arthritis.

"These insights reinforce that dry eye is a complex condition and addressing symptoms not only provides physical relief — it helps patients feel better holistically," said Andrew Stewart, president of Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer at Bausch + Lomb.

The survey included 411 OTC-only users and 589 prescription medication users among the 1,000 respondents, all aged 18 or older, and was conducted between May 4 and May 15, 2026.

You May Also Be Interested In

• HCW Biologics requests FDA meeting for T-cell engager HCW11-018b
• VCI Global launches AI cloud platform in Malaysia with $6M first phase
• Ardent Health logs 1 million patient visits using ambient AI tool