Overview

• New NESTS data presented Sept. 15 at ESCRS draw on a U.S. survey of 2,003 adults (April 2024) and an international arm surveying 2,580 adults and 2,572 dry-eye sufferers across the UK, France, Germany, Poland and Saudi Arabia in June 2025, with the international work associated with Bausch & Lomb and considered preliminary until peer-reviewed.
• An estimated 58% of the general population report dry-eye symptoms, yet only 17% in the U.S. and 20% in Europe have a formal diagnosis.
• Care is often delayed, with 60% waiting at least four months and 20% more than a year before seeking help, and up to one-third experiencing symptoms for over five years prior to consulting a professional.
• Symptoms disrupt daily life, with 17% stopping night driving, 14.8% giving up makeup and 15.2% reducing use of heating or air conditioning; 34% said symptoms worsened over the past year and 9% reported improvement.
• Lubricating drops are the most common first step, yet only about 25% feel their care is tailored, 70% lack knowledge of treatment options, 40% are unaware of potential vision risks if untreated, regular eye-care visits are infrequent, and follow-up practices vary by country, such as fewer planned visits in France versus proactive follow-up in Saudi Arabia.