Dry Eyes Plague Half of Adults, Leaving Many to Suffer in Silence

Half of Adults Suffer from Dry Eyes, but Most Never Get Help A staggering new study has revealed that over half of adults in the US and Europe experience dry eyes, a condition that can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Despite its prevalence, however, most sufferers remain undiagnosed for years, often accepting it as a natural part of aging. According to research presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) on September 15, 2025, dry eyes affect more than half of adults in both regions. The study, known as NESTS, found that sufferers often endure daily discomfort that can impact work, driving, and even surgery outcomes. "It's astonishing how many people are living with this condition without realizing there is help available," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, lead researcher on the project. "Dry eyes are not just a minor nuisance; they can have serious consequences for our quality of life." The study's findings highlight a worrying trend: despite its prevalence, dry eyes remain poorly understood and underdiagnosed. Many sufferers attribute their symptoms to aging or other factors, unaware that simple treatments could provide relief. "This is a classic case of 'invisible' health issue," said Dr. John Taylor, an eye specialist at the University of London. "People are reluctant to seek help because they don't think it's a serious problem, but in reality, dry eyes can have significant impacts on daily life." The study's results come as no surprise to those who work with patients affected by dry eyes. "We see this all the time," said Sarah Johnson, an optometrist at a busy practice in New York City. "People are often embarrassed or ashamed about their symptoms, but they shouldn't be. We're here to help." The NESTS study is part of a growing body of research into dry eyes, which has shed light on the condition's causes and consequences. While some treatments are available, more work needs to be done to raise awareness and improve diagnosis rates. In the meantime, experts urge those experiencing symptoms to seek help. "Don't suffer in silence," said Dr. Rodriguez. "There is hope for relief, and it starts with talking to a healthcare professional." Background: Dry eyes are a common condition characterized by inadequate tear production or poor tear quality. Symptoms can include dryness, grittiness, and blurred vision. Impact: Over half of adults in the US and Europe experience dry eyes. Sufferers often endure daily discomfort that can impact work, driving, and even surgery outcomes. Many accept their symptoms as a natural part of aging, unaware that simple treatments could provide relief. Next Developments: The NESTS study's findings are set to inform new guidelines for diagnosing and treating dry eyes. Researchers hope the results will also raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about the condition's prevalence and impact. In related news, several organizations have launched initiatives to promote eye health and raise awareness about dry eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has developed a new resource for patients and healthcare professionals, while the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) is planning a series of workshops on dry eye management. As research continues to shed light on this often-overlooked condition, experts hope that more people will seek help and find relief from the discomfort of dry eyes. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*