Bausch + Lomb is flagging dry eye disease as one of the least recognized symptoms present in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
That’s according to the results of the 2026 Bausch + Lomb (Peri)Menopause Survey, which was undertaken by market research platform Suzy among 402 women ages 30-80-plus who are perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.
It showed that just 14% of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women recognize dry eye as a menopause-related symptom. This contrasts with the 79% who recognize hot flashes.
The survey also found that 78% of those women “were surprised to learn that dry eye is a symptom of perimenopause or menopause,” according to the report.
The survey also showed how this impacted women’s daily lives. This includes more than half (58%) saying they had difficulty reading, while 53% reported difficulty using screens.
Just over a quarter (26%) said they had trouble driving because of the disorder.
“Given how frequently dry eye symptoms are overlooked during perimenopause and menopause, these findings are an important reminder that eye health deserves to be part of the conversation,” said optometrist Neda Gioia in a release.
“Recognizing symptoms early can help women seek appropriate care and explore management options that may improve comfort and quality of life.”
Dry eye disease is a common yet underdiagnosed condition affecting some 150 million U.S. adults.
Bausch + Lomb markets Xiidra, a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist, and Miebo, a semifluorinated alkane, as eye drop treatments for dry eye.
Sales have scaled up rapidly for Miebo, reaching $410 million in 2025. In the first half of this year, Miebo generated revenue of $167 million, compared to $173 million for Xiidra. The pair’s combined sales were up 27% in the first half compared to the first half of 2025.
But it hasn't all been good news. Bausch + Lomb recently came up short in a phase 2 trial testing a combination Xiidra and Miebo. Despite missing its primary endpoint, the company said it would be pushing the combo into phase 3.
This survey comes after personalized AI health app Verily Me teamed up with Bausch + Lomb on boosting education around dry eye disease. Through Verily Me’s digital platform, the partners offer expanded information about dry eye disease risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, with new content that launched on the app back in June.
Last year, the company also ran a new awareness push dubbed “Eyes Tell the Story: The Impact of Dry Eye.” That campaign focused on sharing the stories of real people living with dry eye disease.