Bausch + Lomb Launches Dry Eye Awareness Campaign

Bausch + Lomb has announced the launch of a new educational campaign, Eyes Tell the Story: The Impact of Dry Eye, designed to raise public awareness about dry eye through personal stories and survey data. According to a company news release, the campaign aims to encourage more patients to discuss their symptoms with an eye care provider.

Highlighting the Widespread Impact of Dry Eye

“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 of research and development and chief medical officer at 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.”

Survey Underscores Gaps in Education and Misconceptions

This year’s survey focused on dry eye sufferers who are using either prescription treatments or over-the-counter (OTC) products. The results reinforce the need for greater patient education to clear up common misconceptions about dry eye.

Key findings include:

• 78% of sufferers either strongly or somewhat agree they wish they had more resources and education on dry eye.

• Although most patients surveyed feel satisfied with their understanding of dry eye, 62% either mistakenly assume or aren’t sure whether dry eye resolves on its own after some treatment. This view is shared by 68% of OTC users and 53% of prescription users.

• Nearly 43% of participants incorrectly believed or were uncertain that dry eye was only a temporary condition, while 42% did not know or were unsure whether dry eye requires long-term treatment.

The survey also revealed that despite experiencing symptoms, 40% of dry eye sufferers waited six months or longer before consulting an eye care provider. Among patients who ultimately received a prescription, 88% strongly or somewhat agreed they wished they had started treatment sooner. Additionally, 71% reported that having a product offering consistent relief over time was important, with 50% prioritizing treatment to address eye dryness specifically.

Encouraging Earlier Care and Long-Term Relief

“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.”

Personal Stories Powering the Eyes Tell the Story Campaign

The Eyes Tell the Story campaign is part of the broader Know Your Dry Eye educational initiative, first launched in 2024 alongside Bausch + Lomb’s initial State of Dry Eye survey. This year’s campaign was developed in collaboration with photographer and artist Kayte Demont, who captured portraits of individuals living with the daily disruptions of dry eye, including herself.

Featured patients in the campaign include interior designer, lifestyle content creator, and men’s health advocate Alvin Wayne, as well as fashion, lifestyle, and parenting blogger Brianne Manz.