For people who suffer from dry eye, a common condition in which a person’s tears don’t adequately lubricate their eyes, the toll can be severe: burning, stinging, sensitivity to light and even blurred vision.
Affecting more than 320 million people globally each year and nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population with a market over $2B, dry eye can severely impact quality of life. Current treatment options are limited, and most patients rely on over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops for temporary relief.
But one UNC-affiliated startup is looking to help those with dry eye lead better lives through its product EternaTear, an artificial tear that is being designed to last much longer than other OTC treatments. Current products on the market don’t provide adequate relief or lubrication and must be reapplied frequently. In addition, most OTC treatments don’t address the root cause of dry eye or its symptoms.
| UNC-CH