Dry eyes are a very common problem, especially as people get older.
Many people feel discomfort, irritation, and even pain, but they may not realize they have a condition that needs treatment.
New research shows that more than half of people in the U.S. and Europe have symptoms of dry eyes, but very few are diagnosed or treated. This means many people are suffering in silence.
A large international study called NESTS (Needs Unmet in Dry Eye: Symptoms, Treatment and Severity), presented at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), found that 58% of the general population have dry eye symptoms.
However, only about 20% of these people in Europe and just 17% in the U.S. have received a diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
Many people think that dry eyes are just a normal part of getting older, so they don’t ask for help. But eye doctors say that even simple treatments like eye drops can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
The NESTS study looked at thousands of people in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. It found that dry eyes can seriously affect people’s lives. Some people had symptoms every day, and many waited months—or even years—before seeking help.
About one-third of people with dry eyes had waited more than five years to see a doctor. This is worrying because dry eye is a condition that can get worse over time.
In the U.S., half of survey respondents said they had dry eyes often. Most people felt eye fatigue or itchiness, and many had trouble reading, using devices, or driving. But still, only 17% had seen a doctor for the problem.
Dry eye can be treated, usually starting with simple lubricating eye drops. But only one in four people felt that their treatment was right for them. Also, in some countries, people were less likely to have follow-up appointments, which can make it harder to manage the condition well.
Doctors say more needs to be done to educate people about dry eyes. This includes helping them understand that the condition is not just a part of aging, but something that can be treated. Eye doctors also need more tools and support to diagnose and treat dry eye properly.
If dry eyes are left untreated, they can cause inflammation, pain, blurred vision, and other problems. The condition can also make it harder for people to recover from eye surgeries, such as cataract operations.
Many things can make dry eyes worse, including air conditioning, heating, dry weather, smoking, and some health conditions. People over 50 are more likely to have dry eyes because their tear glands don’t work as well as they used to.
Experts recommend that people see an eye doctor regularly, especially if they have dry or uncomfortable eyes. Getting help early can prevent the condition from getting worse and help people feel more comfortable in daily life.
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