Living with Dry Eye Disease and its Effects on Quality of Life: Patient, Optometrist, and Ophthalmologist Perspectives

Dry eye disease is a very common condition, especially among aging women. People often think of it as a very mild and non-harmful issue, but the reality is that it has a huge deleterious effect on patients’ quality of life. Most publications usually focus on the scientific aspects of this pathology: its epidemiology, diagnosis, or management. However, in this article we highlight the patient’s perspective and the challenges of living with dry eye disease. With prior informed consent, we interviewed a patient whose life has drastically changed since she first got the diagnosis. We also asked healthcare professionals based in Miami who were involved in this patient’s care for their opinions. We hope that the messages and commentaries resonate with patients and physicians involved in the care of dry eye disease worldwide.