5 ways dry eye symptoms can impact patients and what you can do about it

Posted Wednesday, December 7, 2016 11:01 am

Brandpoint (BPT)

(BPT) - There are an estimated 30 million U.S. adults who report symptoms consistent with dry eye disease. Approximately 16 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with dry eye disease (DED) by a healthcare professional. This often chronic and sometimes progressive condition is commonly associated with overall eye discomfort, stinging, burning, a gritty feeling or episodes of blurry vision.

Results from the National Eye C.A.R.E. (Current Attitudes Related to Eye Health) Survey* (conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Shire in July 2015) showed some of the impact of dry eye disease and its symptoms:

1. Daily Activities

Most adults with dry eye symptoms surveyed (64%) report that those symptoms impact their ability to perform daily activities. More than half (56%) say they know what activities are going to cause their dry eye symptoms and try to avoid them. Additionally, survey results suggest that dry eye symptoms can get in the way of things people enjoy, with more than four in 10 respondents (43%) saying their dry eye symptoms often keep them from what they want to be doing.

2. Work

Given that 92% of ECPs surveyed agree that the use of modern technology contributes to dry eye symptoms, it may not be surprising that most adults with dry eye symptoms surveyed (75%) say their symptoms impact their ability to spend time in front of a screen. Further, more than half (54%) say their symptoms impact their job/career or ability to work.

3. Hobbies

Adults with dry eye symptoms believe that symptoms interfere with their leisure time. Nearly seven in 10 adults with dry eye symptoms surveyed (68%) responded that symptoms impact their ability to participate in hobbies.

4. Physical Appearance

More than half of adults with dry eye symptoms surveyed (56%) say symptoms impact their physical appearance.

5. How One Can Feel

Survey results suggest that adults with dry eye symptoms say those symptoms often cause annoyance (57%), fatigue (46%) and/or frustration (42%), and more than one in two (54%) say their symptoms make them feel older than they actually are.

Take Control, Speak to an Eye Doctor if You Experience Symptoms of Dry Eye

Adults with dry eye symptoms who were surveyed said they typically waited two years before seeking medical advice; most (57%) wish they had spoken to an eye care professional sooner. If dry eye symptoms are affecting your daily activities and how you feel, chat with an eye doctor.

Visit myeyelove.com to learn more about dry eye including how to recognize symptoms, typical risk factors, and useful tips on how to discuss symptoms with a doctor or eye care professional. Follow myeyelove on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for information on eye health.

*Survey Methodology

The National Eye C.A.R.E. (Current Attitudes Related to Eye Health) Survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Shire between July 6^th and 27^th, 2015. The consumer arm of the survey included a total of 1,210 US adults ages 18+ who report dry eye symptoms (“adults with dry eye symptoms”), including 375 adults who have been diagnosed with dry eye disease (or chronic dry eye) by a healthcare professional (“patients”) and 835 adults who have not been diagnosed, but experience dry eye symptoms and have used artificial tears to relieve those symptoms within the past month. The professional arm of the survey included 1,015 US adults ages 18+ who are optometrists (n=502) or ophthalmologists (n=513) (“ECPs”). For complete research method, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Clotilde Houzé, Director, Portfolio Communications, Shire at chouze0@shire.com.

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