Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced new findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, which reveals that the impact 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 dry eye sufferers who were using either a prescription treatment or an over-the-counter (OTC) product, the company said in a press release.

The survey's findings show that 1 in 5 sufferers reported that dry eye symptoms affect their self-confidence (22%) and emotional wellbeing (20%). Additionally, about 1 in 3 stated their dry eye symptoms affect their stress/anxiety level (33%), and nearly 3 in 10 reported impacts to productivity (29%) and mood (28%).

The survey also explores the impact of dry eye management either with a prescription treatment or an OTC product. Overall, sufferers treated with prescription eye drops were more likely to report near-total or substantial improvement in various aspects of life after starting treatment—approximately 6 in 10 prescription users reported improved self-confidence (64% vs 25% of OTC users*) and productivity (60% vs 43% OTC); and more than half of prescription users reported improved emotional wellbeing (59% vs 34% OTC*) and mood (52% vs 38% OTC).

Additionally, the survey highlights a lack of awareness of how dry eye symptoms may be linked to hormonal changes and systemic inflammation from co-existing conditions. Specifically, 9 in 10 (90%) sufferers did not know that dry eye symptoms may be associated with menopause. Also, nearly 8 in 10 sufferers did not know dry eye symptoms could be associated with autoimmune conditions (78%). Specifically, only 8% of sufferers knew dry eye symptoms could be associated with lupus; only 8% of sufferers knew dry eye symptoms could be associated with type 1 diabetes; and only 7% of sufferers knew dry eye symptoms could be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. OM

*OTC only base n<100