Patients are failing to consult pharmacists about common, yet distressing eye conditions, despite pharmacists having a comprehensive grasp of eye concerns, symptoms and treatment options.

According to a new survey from Bausch + Lomb, over one in three (77%) pharmacists estimate that less than 20% of their patients seek advice about eye health, despite 76% reporting an increase in dry eye symptoms among patients 18 to 34 years old, relative to a decade ago.

The survey collected views from 88 pharmacists and also revealed that 98% of patients fail to recognise when they experience symptoms of dry eye. 

Valerie Steiner, OTC marketing manager, Bausch + Lomb, said: “This survey shows that patients are failing to tap into the expertise and knowledge that pharmacists have in treating eye conditions like dry eye. This is concerning from a patient perspective as it could lead to unnecessary suffering. These uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms can be easily managed with the right advice and treatment, but left untreated that can present a long-term risk to eye health.”

The survey was conducted by Precision Marketing.