Dry Eyes: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment for Adults
- Dry eyes: that gritty, uncomfortable feeling that many dismiss as a minor inconvenience.
- The findings, presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), paint a concerning picture.
- "Results from our studies reveal a considerable group of patients suffering without help," explains Dr.
Suffering in Silence: Teh Dry Eye Epidemic Affecting Millions
Dry eyes: that gritty, uncomfortable feeling that many dismiss as a minor inconvenience. But new research reveals a startling truth: more than half the adult population in the US and Europe experience dry eye symptoms, yet a staggering number remain undiagnosed and untreated. This widespread condition significantly impacts quality of life, and experts are urging greater awareness and proactive intervention.
The findings, presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), paint a concerning picture. While estimates previously suggested that 5-50% of the population suffered from dry eyes,this new study indicates the problem is far more pervasive.
“Results from our studies reveal a considerable group of patients suffering without help,” explains Dr. Piotr Wozniak, a refractive surgeon and dry eye specialist at Optegra Eye Clinics in Warsaw, Poland, and a lecturer and clinical instructor at Cardinal Stefan wyszyński University in Warsaw. “Many see dry eye as a normal part of aging and something to endure. As a medical doctor, I find this particularly concerning because a simple eye drop could offer important relief – but many people aren’t even asking for help.”
The NESTS Study: Unveiling the Scope of the Problem
Dr. Wozniak presented data from two key surveys: a US study of 2,003 adults conducted in April 2024, and the ongoing ‘Needs Unmet in Dry Eye: Symptoms, Treatment and Severity’ (NESTS) study, an international collaboration led by Bausch and Lomb involving over 5,000 adults across the UK, France, germany, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. the international arm of NESTS surveyed 2,580 adults in the general population and 2,572 dry eye sufferers in June 2025.
The NESTS study revealed that 58% of the general population reported experiencing dry eye symptoms, yet only about 20% of European patients and 17% of US patients have received a formal diagnosis.This means a significant portion of the population is enduring discomfort without seeking professional help.
The Patient Journey: A Long and Winding Road
The study also delved into the patient journey, uncovering a concerning trend: delayed treatment. Up to one-third of patients had experienced symptoms for more than five years before seeking professional help. Furthermore, around half of sufferers experience symptoms every single day.
“The delay in seeking treatment is concerning, especially as dry eye is a progressive disease and early intervention can prevent a vicious cycle of inflammation,” Dr.Wozniak emphasizes.
The consequences of untreated dry eyes extend beyond mere discomfort. The NESTS study revealed that many sufferers had