nat ional
A DIGITAL DILEMMA?
New Survey Highlights Potential Link
Between Tech-Dependency and Growing
Risk of Dry Eye Disease
eyec.a.r.e.
survey
CURRENT
ATTITUDES
RELATED TO
EYE HEALTH
The National Eye C.A.R.E. Survey evaluated modern perspectives on dry
eye disease (DED), an inflammatory disease of the ocular surface that is
often chronic and may be progressive. Results show that eye care
professionals (ECPs) and adults with dry eye symptoms see a link
between DED symptoms and screen time (i.e., time spent looking at
computers, video screens and hand-held devices such as smart phones,
tablets and e-readers). What’s more, ECPs who participated in the survey
agree that Americans’ multi-screen lifestyle is a main contributor to
increasing DED risk and a growing prevalence of the condition among
younger adults.
SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Adults with Dry Eye Symptoms
Link Screen-Time to Symptoms
Among adults with dry eye symptoms who
participated in the survey:
53%
79%
8hrs
More than half feel that time spent in
front of screens (including computers,
TVs, video games and hand-held
electronics such as smartphones, tablets,
e-readers), is responsible for causing
their symptoms; fewer attribute their dry
eyes to other factors like aging (45%);
environmental factors (42%); or lack of
sleep (31%).
Most say they are more aware of “feeling
their eyes” after viewing a screen and
that using a screen is challenging as a
result of their dry eyes (59%).
On average, they spend eight hours
daily in front of a screen, pointing to
how difficult it is to disconnect even
when screen time is perceived to
contribute to dry eye symptoms.
ECPs Say Modern, Multi-Screen
Lifestyle Impacting DED Prevalence
and Patient Demographics
ECPs surveyed say men and women of various
ages are increasingly at risk and changes in our
lifestyle are among reasons why.
For example, ECPs say:
• Demands on Americans’ eyes have increased since
15 years ago (91%).
– DED has become more common in the
same time frame (84%), caused primarily
by the use of digital devices (96%)
and the increase in the aging
population (90%).
• The use of modern technology contributes to DED
symptoms (92%).
• DED is becoming more common because of today’s
multi-screen lifestyle (89%).
• In today’s world, there is no one typical type of
DED patient (87%).
• More patients aged 18 - 34 are presenting with dry
eye symptoms compared to 10 years ago (76%).
©2016 Shire, Lexington, MA 02421. 1-800-828-2088. All rights reserved. S16620 10/16
Survey Findings Point to Increased Need for
DED Screening for Adults
nat ional
eyec.a.r.e.
survey
CURRENT
ATTITUDES
RELATED TO
EYE HEALTH
With patient demographics rapidly expanding due to increased demands on our
eyes, survey results highlight the need for dry eye screening practices to keep
pace. For example, the survey found that:
94%
75%
45%
69%
Over nine in 10
ECPs think
screening for DED
should be part
of a modern and
comprehensive
eye assessment.
Three in four
ECPs say that it
is necessary to
screen for DED in all
patients regardless
of age, gender
or lifestyle.
Nearly half of adults
with dry eye symptoms
say that they did not
feel like it was worth
bringing up dry eye
because their ECP
didn’t ask about it.
Nearly seven in 10
adults with dry eye
symptoms feel dry
eye symptoms are just
something they have
to live with.
Surveyed adults with dry eye symptoms typically wait two years between symptom onset and
seeking the advice of a healthcare provider.
If you think you are experiencing possible DED symptoms, talk to your eye doctor to request screening.
For more information, visit www.myeyelove.com to learn more about dry eye, including how to recognize
symptoms, typical risk factors and useful tips on how to discuss your symptoms with your doctor or eye
care professional.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
The National Eye C.A.R.E. (Current Attitudes Related to Eye Health) Survey was conducted online within the United States
by Harris Poll on behalf of Shire between July 6th and 27th, 2015. The consumer arm of the survey included a total of 1,210
US adults ages 18+ who report dry eye symptoms (“adults with dry eye symptoms”), including 375 adults who have been
diagnosed with dry eye disease (or chronic dry eye) by a healthcare professional (“patients”) and 835 adults who have not
been diagnosed, but experience dry eye symptoms and have used artificial tears to relieve those symptoms within the past
month. The professional arm of the survey included 1,015 US adults ages 18+ who are optometrists (n=502) or
ophthalmologists (n=513) (“ECPs”). For complete research method, including weighting variables and subgroup sample
sizes, please contact Clotilde Houzé, Director, Portfolio Communications, Shire, at [email protected].
©2016 Shire, Lexington, MA 02421. 1-800-828-2088. All rights reserved. S16620 10/16