Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Dry Eye Diagnosis and Care

The study investigated health disparities in dry eye among racial and ethnic minorities. It analyzed medical records of 465 patients and found that minorities had higher rates of Medicaid use and lack of insurance, lower median income (Black $75,554, Hispanic $86,839), and received less prescription treatments (Black 30.6%, Hispanic 43.9%). Initially, minorities had worse conjunctival and corneal staining scores, but no disparities were found at the final visit. Discrepancies in care and patient attitudes require further investigation despite potential income and access factors.