PURPOSE: Dry eye disease (DED) causes substantial discomfort and functional impairment, but its real-world burden and unmet needs vary globally. This analysis compares findings from two complementary surveys: (1) a study of U.S. adults and (2) a five-country study conducted in the UK, France, Germany, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. Both surveys involved both the general population and self-identified DED sufferers. The goal was to identify universal themes and to highlight region-specific differences in symptom burden, care pathways, and patient understanding.

METHODS: Both studies used online, cross-sectional surveys administered to adults ≥18 years. The U.S. study (N=2,003; 461 sufferers) assessed symptom burden, knowledge, treatment use, and interactions with eye care professionals (ECPs). The ex-U.S. multinational study was conducted in two phases: the general population (Phase I, N=2,580) and individuals with regular symptoms of DED (Phase II, N=2,572) to characterize prevalence, symptom severity, self-care, and professional care. All results were weighted to reflect national demographics.

RESULTS: Across both studies, dryness and ocular fatigue emerged as highly prevalent, bothersome symptoms. In the overall U.S. population, approximately 50% reported suffering eye dryness, with 15% experiencing symptoms regularly. This is consistent with the multinational finding that ~25% of adults experienced regular symptoms, nearly half of whom reported them daily. Three unmet needs were consistent across all countries: (1) limited awareness of DED causes, consequences, and treatment options; (2) delayed or infrequent ECP engagement; and (3) dissatisfaction with current management and uncertainty regarding long-term care. Certain country differences were notable: ECP visits at least once a year for DED sufferers ranged from 40% in France to over 70% in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, paralleling differences in professional diagnosis of DED.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite geographic and healthcare differences, DED sufferers across all surveyed regions share a substantial and under-recognized symptom burden, low disease awareness, and limited satisfaction with current care. Variation in ECP engagement suggests opportunities for region-specific strategies, while the universal trends highlight a global need for earlier recognition, improved patient education, and more proactive management of DED.