Global survey highlights variability in dry eye disease management

There is significant variability in the clinical management of dry eye disease (DED) across different practitioners and regions, according to a study that found management strategies often differ depending on the DED subtype, with aqueous-deficient and evaporative DED being treated with distinct approaches.

A recent global survey highlights common treatment practices and regional differences in managing DED with responses from 905 eye care professionals, including optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Key findings include a widespread use of advice (82%) and artificial lubricants (81%) across all severity levels, regardless of DED subtype. Treatments such as artificial tears and nutritional supplements were prescribed for both mild and severe cases, while more intensive treatments, like biologics and surgical interventions, were increasingly used for higher severity levels.

Practitioners also demonstrated varying approaches based on DED subtype. For aqueous-deficient DED, punctal occlusion, therapeutic contact lenses, and secretagogues were more frequently prescribed, while evaporative DED was managed with oral essential fatty acids, topical lipid-containing products, and lid hygiene.

Despite some consensus on treatment choices, the study reveals considerable variability in clinical practice. The survey suggests that clinicians use these insights to evaluate and refine their management strategies, as further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for DED treatment.

Reference
Wolffsohn JS, Semp DA, Dutta D, et al; TFOS ambassadors. Clinical practice patterns in the management of dry eye disease: A TFOS international survey 2023-4. Ocul Surf. 2024;S1542-0124(24)00143-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.12.008. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39743043.