GENEVA, July 30, 2025 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced its continued partnership with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) as the primary sponsor of the Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) III. The newly released DEWS III report provides a comprehensive update on the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of Dry Eye Disease (DED), a condition affecting nearly 776 million patients worldwide.¹

“At Alcon, we remain deeply committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of Dry Eye Disease through scientific innovation and strategic partnerships,” said Dr. Carla Mack, Global Head of Professional Education and Development at Alcon. “In recognition of Dry Eye Awareness Month, we continue to elevate initiatives like TFOS DEWS III and collaborate with thought leaders across the world in an effort to identify more precise, effective ways to diagnose and manage this complex condition.”

The TFOS DEWS III report is made up of the following reports:

• Diagnostic Methodology, which provides the latest definition of DED and a framework for the diagnosis of DED²
• Management and Therapy, which provides an overview of the available evidence on the management of patients with DED³
• Digest, which updates the evidence for interdisciplinary aspects of DED⁴

Alcon has sponsored the last three Dry Eye Workshops which inform these reports that aim to help shape the clinical understanding of DED. This latest report includes input from 80 experts in 19 countries to offer an evidence-based review of current strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of DED. TFOS DEWS III report establishes an updated definition of DED as a multifactorial, symptomatic disease.² It emphasizes that DED is always symptomatic, characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film and/or ocular surface, leading to symptoms that may include burning, stinging, blurred vision, and eye fatigue.² These changes seek to allow for more robust diagnosis and more focus on evidence-based, individualized treatment plans for patients.

Additionally, the Management and Therapy report offers clinicians a practical framework to match treatments to the underlying cause of each patient’s symptoms. It reports that the management of DED should require a personalized, multifaceted approach that considers the underlying causes and patient-specific factors.³ While tear supplements will likely continue to serve as the foundational therapy for most patients, the report encourages future research to focus on refining treatment algorithms and identifying biomarkers to guide targeted therapy.³

The Digest Report explores sex and gender related differences and the significant influence these factors have on the ocular surface, including hormones, sex chromosomes, sex-specific autosomal factors, epigenetics, care-seeking behaviors, and service utilization. The data reveals that DED prevalence varies by age and sex, influenced by diagnostic criteria and the multifactorial nature of the disease.⁴ New risk factors for DED include environmental, iatrogenic, systemic diseases and lifestyle domains.⁴

“As clinicians, we must recognize the profound connection between lifestyle, dry eye symptoms, and quality of life and help guide our patients towards personalized treatments that foster long-term relief,” said Prof. James Wolffsohn, co-Chair of TFOS DEWS III. “Emerging therapies, such as neuromodulation, with novel pharmacological treatments offer potential future treatment options."

Alcon’s comprehensive dry eye portfolio—rooted in decades of research and innovation—addresses the full spectrum of patient needs outlined in the TFOS DEWS III guidelines. From diagnostics to therapeutic solutions, Alcon’s offerings are designed to support eye care professionals (ECPs) in delivering personalized, effective care.

This July, in recognition of Dry Eye Awareness Month, Alcon is highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, patient education, and individualized treatment plans. Through continued investment in clinical partnerships and practitioner resources, Alcon is equipping ECPs with the products and tools needed to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients.

To explore the full TFOS DEWS III report, visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/10PHL822N4T, and to learn more about dry eye care, visit https://www.tearfilm.org and https://www.myalcon.com/knowledge-center/natural-tear-resource.

About Dry Eye

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common ocular surface disorders, affecting an estimated 38 million adults in the United States and an estimated 776 million more adults globally.¹ While once considered a disease of aging populations, modern advancements, such as prolonged digital screen time, have contributed to a significant rise in DED across age and gender.⁵

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

About TFOS

Founded in 2000, the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society is a world leader in eye health education headquartered in Boston, USA. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, TFOS is dedicated to advancing the research, literacy, and educational aspects of the scientific field of the eye's surface. More information about TFOS and the Report is available at: https://www.tearfilm.org.

References

1. 2023 Dry Eye Products Markets Report, Market Scope, 2023.
2. Wolffsohn S, James, et al. TFOS DEWS III diagnostic methodology report. Amer J Ophthalmol. In press May 30, 2025.
3. Jones L, Craig JP, Markoulli M, et al. TFOS DEWS III management and therapy report. Amer J Ophthalmol. In press June 2, 2025.
4. Stapleton, Fiona, et al. TFOS DEWS III digest report. Amer J Ophthalmol. In press June 4, 2025.
5. The Relationship Between Dry Eye Disease and Digital Screen Use - PMC (nih.gov).

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