Survey Says …

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New Survey Sheds Light on Dry Eye Awareness Among US Adults

A recent national survey highlights the prevalence of dry eye symptoms among Americans. Despite affecting millions, this condition remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The inaugural State of Dry Eye survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Bausch + Lomb, explores dry eye understanding and experiences among American adults.

The survey revealed that most American respondents may not know their symptoms of redness, fluctuating vision, scratchiness, grittiness, tiredness, and overall eye irritation are associated with eye dryness. Many survey respondents also don’t realize that dryness is increasingly present in younger patients, and two in five are unaware that these dry eye problems can lead to other issues, such as fluctuating vision.

According to Yehia Hashad, MD, executive vice president, Research & Development and chief medical officer, Bausch + Lomb, “The prevalence of dry eye is growing, particularly among a younger demographic in large part due to modern lifestyles and heavy digital use.”

Some key points from this study: most (70%) of those who responded don’t know much about preventing or treating dry eye. Many respondents reported regularly experiencing symptoms that may be related to dry eyes, such as tired eyes (38%), sensitivity to light (27%), and redness (19%), while fewer (15%) reported regularly experiencing eye dryness. Interestingly, around two in five Americans (43%) don’t get regular eye exams, and more than half (52%) think dry eyes are difficult to address and are something people must learn to live with.

My Two Cents

This excellent study included the responses of 2,003 US adults, including 461 “sufferers,” which are defined as those who often/always experience eye dryness and have been diagnosed by a health care professional with dry eye disease. Another aspect that lends credence to this study is a quote from the amazing Rebecca Petris, co-founder and president of the Dry Eye Foundation, who states, “Most people think of the dry eye as a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can drastically affect one’s daily life.”

OUTSIDE THE LANE

ADA Compliance and EHR Software

Laurette Santos, an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who is blind, is suing the agency, stating that their new EHR system makes it impossible for her to do her job. The clinical social worker has been employed by the VA for a decade; however, when the government agency switched to Oracle Health’s Cerner EHR in 2022, Ms. Santos’ productivity dramatically decreased. Her sighted coworkers had to assist her in completing even the most basic tasks, such as reading her clients’ files, all because the new EHR system does not accommodate the Job Access With Speech software, the most commonly used screen reader for all federal employees.

The lawsuit alleges that the EHR system is inaccessible to users who are blind and visually impaired, violating federal disability laws. The case highlights the importance of using EHR systems designed with accessibility for all employees—and patients using their portals—in mind. The VA’s response to this lawsuit and its efforts to address accessibility concerns will be closely monitored by the medical community, as well as advocates for disability rights.

My Two Cents

I never thought about the accessibility of EHR systems before, but it makes perfect sense. These systems need to accommodate everyone. As eye care practitioners and advocates for our patients, we need to do our part to ensure that everyone has proper access to do their jobs and view their medical records. Hopefully, the VA and its EHR provider, Oracle, will figure out a solution for this problem that benefits all involved.

CAN YOU RELATE

I wrote this week’s newsletter from my family's cabin in northern Michigan (specifically on Glen Lake, just outside Traverse City). This trip has been a family tradition of the Davidson clan since before I was born, and I have never missed a trip. Come the second week of July each year, I’m off the grid with my parents, my son, aunts and uncles, and my sister’s family. The cabin is tiny and rustic, with only one full bathroom and no air conditioning. What it lacks in modern conveniences, however, it makes up for with the incredible views we get each day and the fact that the lake is only 20 feet from our back door! It’s the experience we get here—that calm feeling of being by the lake without a care. When we go “downtown” to Glen Arbor, there are probably only 20 stores, and none take longer than 15 minutes to go through. There are also no chain stores or restaurants, just mom-and-pop stores, many of which have been passed down through generations.

This trip is the highlight of my year—every year. And each time I board the plane to come home, I start counting down the days until next year’s return.

Why do I tell you all this? Because this trip (as well as my son and family) gets me through many of the stresses of the year. When I’m overwhelmed or just plain exhausted, I think about this relaxing week in my paradise, and it reminds me of what I work so hard for each day. I primarily work because I love my job and want to give my son Brooks, who is the most important thing to me, the best life possible. But this trip adds an extra layer of motivation when I’m going through a difficult time. I would encourage you all to create or find a tradition of your own that you can work hard for all year and use to recharge your batteries!