epidemiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

epidemiology

Prevalence of dry eye syndrome may range between 8-34% depending on the criteria used (1).

  • around 25 to 30 million people from around the world are thought to be affected by DES (2)

It is more common

  • with increasing age
    • it is estimated that around one third people over 65 years are affected
  • women than in men (2)

In 2014, NHS spent over £27 million on over 6.4 million prescription items for artificial tears, ocular lubricants, and astringents (1).

Reference: