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Dry eye isn’t always easy to see

Dry eye is increasingly common and can range from occasional symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease. Although there is no cure for dry eye, there are various options that can help you find relief.

Symptoms, which can include redness, fluctuating vision, a scratchy, gritty, tired or heavy feeling, or overall eye irritation, can be challenging to manage, and can often impact daily activities. If not addressed, symptoms can become more frequent and more severe, progressing to dry eye disease, which can cause damage to the eye surface and problems with your vision.

The majority of people may not know that their symptoms may be associated with eye dryness.

3in4

Sufferers of dry eye find it
extremely or very bothersome1

8in10

Sufferers are constantly aware of how their eyes feel—many can practically hear themselves blink1

Based on the Bausch + Lomb State of Dry Eye online survey by The Harris Poll

UNDERSTANDING DRY EYE

Dry eye is on the rise

Approximately 150 million Americans experience occasional or frequent dry eye symptoms, including an increasing number of younger people.2

Despite the growing prevalence of dry eye, the majority of Americans may not know that their eye symptoms may be associated with eye dryness, which can cause a delay in care.

Dry eye can impact your quality of life, and most sufferers (67%) have had to give up or cut back on something to relieve symptoms, most commonly being screen time use (32%).1

As if something
is in the eye
Sometimes with inflammation
Especially when reading or looking
at things close up
Heavy feeling in
the eyes
Stinging or
burning sensation
Do you have any of
these symptoms?

Nearly all sufferers
experience them.

  • Scratchy or gritty feeling
    As if something is in the eye
  • Redness
    Sometimes with inflammation
  • Fluctuating vision or blurriness
    Especially when reading or looking at things close up
  • Tired eyes
    Heavy feeling in the eyes
  • Eye irritation
    Stinging or burning sensation

Did you know?

Eight in 10 sufferers are constantly aware of how their eyes feel1

There is no cure for dry eye—but there are ways to manage the symptoms and help prevent damage

Many sufferers don’t routinely see an eye doctor, even though it’s the primary way to get evaluated

What contributes to dry eye?

Dry eye can be influenced by lifestyle (including modern-day factors like increased digital device use, anxiety, and stress), medications, hormonal changes, age and environment.

There are multiple reasons why people may experience occasional dry eye symptoms, which, if left untreated over time, may get worse and progress to dry eye disease, impacting your eye health and vision.

Dry eye may be the result of your eyes not making enough tears or making poor quality tears that evaporate too quickly. The majority of those who progress to dry eye disease also have underlying inflammation.

Relief Options for Dry Eye

Finding what works for you

Dry eye can make people very aware of how their eyes feel, which isn’t normal.

Various products can help provide symptom relief by lubricating the eyes, increasing tear production, addressing tear evaporation, or treating inflammation of the eyelids or eye surface. Based on the severity of your symptoms, your eye doctor may diagnose you with dry eye disease and prescribe a prescription medication.

If you believe you may have dry eye, talk to an eye doctor to discuss potential options based on your symptoms.

Over-the-counter options

Depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, over-the-counter products could be the right fit. Learn more about OTC options to discuss with an eye doctor.

Explore OTC

Prescription options

For persistent and/or more severe dry eye, prescription eye drops are available. Learn more about prescription options to discuss with an eye doctor.

Explore Prescriptions

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which dry eye products are right for me?

There are various options that can help you find relief which may include over-the-counter eye drops, prescription medications or nutritional supplements.

Other symptom management options include in office procedures and therapies, supplements, warm compress on the eyes or eyelid cleaners.

As various tests and procedures can be used to determine the cause and severity of your dry eye, speak to your eye doctor about your options.

When should I see an eye doctor about dry eyes?

Dry eye can make people very aware of how their eyes feel, which isn’t normal. If this feeling is consistent, it’s a sign to see an eye doctor. If left untreated, dry eye symptoms may get worse and progress to dry eye disease, impacting your eye health and vision.

Is there a cure for dry eye?

Dry eye is increasingly common and can range from occasional symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease.

There is currently no cure, but addressing early can slow the progression of dry eye disease.

Managing dry eye often requires a combination of products tailored to your specific symptoms and lifestyle.

Regular check-ups with an eye doctor are important to help you find the right relief.

1 The Bausch + Lomb State of Dry Eye survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll among a nationally representative sample of 2,003 U.S. adults aged 18 or older including 461 “sufferers” (defined as those who often/always experience eye dryness and/or have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with dry eye disease) and 1,542 non-sufferers. “Respondents” or “Americans” refers to all 2,003 survey participants. The survey was conducted April 15-23, 2024.

2 MultiSponsor Surveys, Inc. The 2022 Study of Dry Eye Sufferers. August 2022.