Bausch + Lomb News
Bausch + Lomb’s Vision Expo West Event: Understanding Your Patient’s Language of Dry Eye
In September, Bausch + Lomb held an event at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas to discuss the patient’s language of dry eye and how eye care professionals can better communicate with patients managing the condition.
The key message: While dry eye cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively if patients are aware of their condition and understand relief options available from their eye doctor.
The event began with Bausch + Lomb presenting findings from their State of Dry Eye survey. The survey revealed that most respondents may not know their symptoms – which can include redness, fluctuating vision, a scratchy, gritty, tired or heavy feeling, or overall eye irritation – may be associated with eye dryness, and 70% don’t know much about prevention or treatment. Panelists included Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, founder and chief optometrist, BeSpoke Vision, Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, Schwartz Laser Eye Center, and Julie Bowen, actress and dry eye sufferer.
They discussed the survey results and strategies for eye care professionals to bridge the communication gap with patients. The importance of early diagnosis, effective communication, and timely intervention to address symptoms was emphasized.
Julie Bowen shared her personal experience, highlighting that although her diagnosis was initially framed negatively, she viewed it as a manageable condition.
The event coincided with Bausch + Lomb’s takeover of the iconic Exosphere, the world’s largest LED screen, which featured a real eye with dry eye symptoms overlaid and ending with the campaign URL, www.KnowYourDryEye.com, which is designed to drive patient dialogue with health care providers who can recommend treatment options, from OTC solutions to pharmaceutical interventions as appropriate. Eye care professionals are encouraged to recommend this patient-friendly resource designed to help patients recognize symptoms and find relief.