Patient-Reported Dry Eye Treatment and Burden of Care.

OBJECTIVES: Dry eye is a common condition that can decrease the quality of life. This survey-based study of persons with dry eye investigated self-reported treatments (initial, current), out-of-pocket expenses, time spent on self-management, sources of care, and sources of information about their condition. METHODS: Online dry eye newsletters and support groups were emailed a link to an electronic survey asking members to participate. Survey respondents were not required to answer every question. RESULTS: In total, 639 persons with self-reported dry eye responded (86% women, 14% men [n=623]; mean ± SD age, 55 ± 14 years [n=595]). Artificial tears were the most reported intervention (76% initially, 71% currently). The median (interquartile range) out-of-pocket treatment cost annually was $500 ($200-$1,320 [n=506]). In addition, 55% (n=544) estimated 5 to 20 min daily on self-management; 22% spent an hour or more. Ophthalmologists provided most dry eye care (67%, n=520). Only 48% (n=524) reported that their primary source of dry eye information came from their eye care clinician. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial tears are the primary treatment for dry eye. Ophthalmologists provide most dry eye care, but half of patients report that their eye care provider is not their primary source of information. Almost one fourth of patients spend an hour or more daily on treatments.

Assessment of condition-induced changes on the ocular surface using novel methods to assess the tear film dynamics and the lipid layer.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different condition-induced changes on current and novel ocular surface metrics. METHODS: Eighty-four healthy volunteers (22.4 ± 2.6 years) participated in this study. The ocular surface and tear film response to (1) computer use, (2) contact lens insertion and (3) tear film instillation during computer use with contact lenses were assessed. Current metrics included the ocular surface disease (OSDI) questionnaire, 5-item dry eye questionnaire (DEQ-5), bulbar redness, tear meniscus height (TMH) and non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT). Novel metrics included the lipid layer thickness obtained from the intensity of the reflected Placido disk and the speed of tear film particles post-blink. RESULTS: Higher dry eye symptoms, TMH and bulbar redness, and lower values in metrics related to the intensity of the Placido disk pattern and to particle speed were found after the computer reading task (p < 0.036). When a contact lens was fitted, lower TMH, NIKBUT and particle speed metrics were obtained (p < 0.044). Mixed ANOVA revealed that artificial tears significantly ameliorated the effect of computer reading on OSDI, DEQ-5, NIKBUT, metrics related to the intensity of the Placido disk pattern and metrics related to particle speed (p < 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Computer use and contact lens wear worsened dry eye signs and symptoms, but artificial tears ameliorated this effect. Newly developed methods can serve as a tool to detect changes in the tear film triggered by different ocular surface-disturbing conditions.

The efficacy of ocular surface assessment approaches in evaluating dry eye treatment with artificial tears.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of objective techniques in assessing dry eye disease (DED) treatment compared with the subjective assessment commonly used in clinical practice. Thirty subjects were recruited for two visits separated by 28(± 3) days of treatment with artificial tears. A buttery of common subjective assessment methods were accompanied by a set of objective techniques including measurement of noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), and quantitative evaluation of tear film surface quality and dynamics (TFD). Additionally, meibography was performed. Two commercially available videokeratoscopes and a prototype of a lateral shearing interferometer were used for the measurements. Both subjective and objective techniques showed a positive effect of artificial tears in DED treatment. Statistically significant improvements were observed in subjective symptoms (from P < 0.001 for Ocular Surface Disease Index, OSDI to p = 0.019 for tearing), conjunctival redness (P = 0.022), ocular staining (P = 0.012), fluorescein tear film break-up time (P = 0.015), NIBUT (P = 0.037), LLT (P < 0.001), and TFD (P = 0.048). In general, weak or statistically insignificant correlations were observed between subjective and objective assessment methods. The apparent lack of correlation between these methods might indicate the complementary character of objective techniques that likely assess other characteristics of ocular surface health than those assessed subjectively.

Tear film interferometry assessment after intense pulsed light in dry eye disease: A randomized, single masked, sham-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate meibomian glands (MGs) secretion can lead to dry eye signs and symptoms. Tear film lipid layer (TFLL) secreted by MGs protects and prevents rapid evaporation of tear film. The purpose was to assess TFLL alteration and function in patients with evaporative dry eye (EDE) using tear interferometry after optimal pulse light technology (OPT) intense pulsed light (IPL). METHODS: This prospective randomized examiner-masked sham- controlled study included 86 participants (142 eyes) with DED. IPL or sham procedure was performed on day 0, 21, and 42. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive breakup time (NITBUT), interferometric fringe pattern determined TFLL quality, fluorescein staining (FS), and meibum gland (MG) were assessed at day 0, 21, 42 and 3-month. RESULTS: At 3-month, TFLL, NITBUT, MG drop-out, MG quality, MG expressibility, FS and OSDI improved significantly (P < 0.05) in the IPL group, while the sham group had no significant improvements. Except for Meibo-score and FS, all parameters significantly correlated with the improvement in TFLL following IPL treatment. Additionally, artificial tears usage was significantly less in the IPL group from D-42 onwards. CONCLUSION: IPL treatment demonstrated the ability to improve TFLL quality and clinically reduced sign and symptoms of DED thereby reducing the frequency of artificial tears use.

Should Artificial Tears Be Used During the Preoperative Assessment of Toric IOLs Before Age-Related Cataract Surgery? The TORIDE Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the use of artificial tears during the preoperative work-up performed before age-related cataract surgery, when a toric intraocular lens (IOL) was indicated. METHODS: This was a monocentric prospective study assessing 73 eyes of 51 patients, included consecutively after a preoperative work-up performed without artificial tears (no artificial tears group), when a toric IOL was indicated. Each included patient underwent a second series of examinations: biometry using the IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) and topography using the OPD-Scan II (Nidek), 1 minute after artificial tears instillation (artificial tears group; hyaluronate de sodium 0.15%, threalose 3% [Théalose; Théa]). Changes in anterior corneal astigmatism and subsequent changes in toric IOL calculation were analyzed. The error in predicted residual astigmatism was calculated. RESULTS: Anterior corneal astigmatism and total corneal astigmatism measured with the IOLMaster 700 were significantly modified when artificial tears were instilled before the examinations (1.51 ± 0.57 diopters [D], range: 0.75 to -3.55 vs 1.42 ± 0.63 D, range: 0.42 to 3.35 D; P = .043 and 1.59 ± 0.54 D, range: 0.87 to 3.48 vs 1.51 ± 0.59 D, range: 0.56 to 3.27 D, P = .038, respectively). This modification led to a change in IOL cylinder calculation in 43.8% of cases and to a change in implantation axis greater than 10° in 17.7% of cases. These changes were significantly greater in patients with a breakup time (BUT) less than 5 seconds (57.5% and 27.8%, with P = .009 and .029, respectively). In the subgroup of patients with a BUT of less than 5 seconds, the mean absolute error in predicted astigmatism was significantly lower after artificial tears instillation (0.48 ± 0.50 D, range: 0.00 to 2.79 vs 0.37 ± 0.25 D, range: 0.00 to 1.10 D, P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: Dry eye significantly impacted toric IOL calculations and should be taken into account during the preoperative assessments. Using artificial tears reduced the number of refractive errors. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(11):759-766.].

Quantitative High-speed Assessment of Droplet and Aerosol From an Eye After Impact With an Air-puff Amid COVID-19 Scenario.

PURPOSE: To quantify aerosol and droplets generated during noncontact tonometry (NCT) and assess the spread distance of the same. METHODOLOGY: This was an experimental study on healthy human volunteers (n=8 eyes). In an experimental setup, NCT was performed on eyes (n=8) of human volunteers under normal settings, with a single and 2 drops of lubricant. High-speed shadowgraphy, frontal lighting technique, and fluorescein analysis were used to detect the possible generation of any droplets and aerosols. Mathematical computation of the spread of the droplets was then performed. RESULTS: In a natural setting, there was no droplet or aerosol production. Minimal splatter along with droplet ejection was observed when 1 drop of lubricant was used before NCT. When 2 drops of lubricant were instilled, a significant amount of fluid ejection in the form of a sheet that broke up into multiple droplets was observed. Some of these droplets traversed back to the tonometer. Droplets ranging from 100 to 500 µm in diameter were measured. CONCLUSIONS: There was no droplet generation during NCT performed in a natural setting. However, NCT should be avoided in conditions with high-tear volume (natural or artificial) as it would lead to droplet spread and tactile contamination.

Assessment of Phosphate and Osmolarity Levels in Chronically Administered Eye Drops

Objectives: To assess phosphate and osmolarity levels of chronically administered eye drops commercially available in Turkey. Materials and Methods: A total of 53 topical eye drops including 18 antiglaucoma drugs, 4 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 10 corticosteroids, 7 antihistaminics, and 14 artificial tears identified using the Vademecum Modern Medications Guideline (2018) were included in the study. Phosphate levels were assessed using Roche Cobas C501 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) and the respective kits. Osmolarity was assessed using Vescor Vapro 5600 vapor pressure osmometer (Sanova Medical Systems, Vienna, Austria). Mean phosphate and osmolarity levels were obtained after averaging three measurements. Eye drops were categorized as isoosmolar, hypoosmolar and hyperosmolar based on physiologic tear osmolarity range (296.5±9.8 mOsm/L). Results: The highest phosphate concentration was found in the antiglaucoma group (20.3±35.4 mmol/L), followed by antihistaminics (17.3±17.9 mmol/L), corticosteroids (15.2±19.1 mmol/L), artificial tears (0.8±1.0), and NSAIDs (0.04±0.08). Percentage of medications in the hyperosmolar category was highest in the NSAI group (75%), followed by antihistaminics (43%), corticosteroids (20%), and antiglaucoma drugs (19%). Nearly all of the artificial tear formulations were in the hypoosmolar (71%) or isoosmolar (21%) categories. Conclusion: Approximately 40% of glaucoma medications and approximately 60% of corticosteroid and antihistaminic medications had a phosphate concentration higher than the physiologic tear phosphate level (1.45 mmol/L).

The repeatability of subjective and objective tear ferning assessment and its association with lipid layer thickness, non-invasive tear break-up time and comfort.

PURPOSE: To determine the repeatability of tear ferning (TF) grading analysed by subjective and objective techniques, and its correlation with lipid layer thickness (LLT), non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) comfort scores with and without ocular lubricants. METHODS: A prospective, randomised, controlled clinical study was conducted. Eighteen healthy non-contact lens wearers aged between 18 to 45 years attended a total of three visits. They were randomly allocated to receive no drops on two occasions to examine method repeatability (visits A and B) or a 60 µL drop of Refresh® (visit C). At each visit, LLT and NIKBUT were assessed followed by basal tear collection. The TF pattern was established by pipetting one µL volume of tears onto a glass slide that was allowed to air-dry and imaged under a microscope. The resulting tear ferning pattern was determined using subjective grading and a novel computerized objective analysis technique that measured the local contrast of ferning contours. RESULTS: Paired t-tests found that all measurements collected between eyes, on different days for visit A and B were not significantly different (p >0.05). Eyes and days were averaged and compared to visit C. Paired t-tests between the averaged baseline visits and visit C for LLT, NIKBUT including subjective and objective TF scores showed no significant difference (p>0.05). No significant correlation was shown between the TF scoring and OSDI, LLT or NITBUT (p>0.05). There was however a high significant correlation and agreement between the subjective and objective analysis techniques for TF grading. CONCLUSIONS: TF grade, LLT and NITBUT are repeatable. As with other ocular surface assessments, subjective and objective TF gradings did not significantly correlate with the measures of tear film stability or comfort. Lubricants had no effect on TF grade, LLT or NITBUT. The novel objective analysis technique is a promising candidate for a repeatable and unbiased assessment of tear ferning.

Assessment and management of dry eye disease.

The topic of the 1984 Cambridge Ophthalmological Symposium was 'The Dry Eye'; it was chaired by my colleague and mentor Mr Peter Wright. In the 33 years that have passed since then we have learned a great deal more about this condition. This short paper sets out to review some of the more recent developments.

Variação do volume de gotas de colírios lubrificantes disponíveis no mercado brasileiro / Variation in the volume of lubricating eyedrops available in the brazilian market

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a variação intra e interexaminadores do volume de gotas dispensados de frascos de colírios lubrificantes disponíveis no mercado. Métodos: Foram estudados cinco frascos de colírios lubrificantes e dezenove voluntários participaram deste estudo. A massa média de gotas de 20µl dos colírios foi obtida utilizando micropipeta e balança de precisão e como padrão para comparação com a massa das gotas obtidas pelos voluntários. Cinco gotas de cada frasco foram pesadas individualmente com o tubo de colírio perpendicular à balança, usando o primeiro e segundo dedos da mão direita, de forma que a pressão fosse aplicada somente no meio do frasco. Os experimentos foram realizados em uma sala climatizada a temperatura ambiente (21±1°C). Resultados: Todos os frascos de colírios apresentaram variação estatisticamente significante das massas das gotas obtidas pelos examinadores quando comparadas com a massa média padrão de 0,0182±0,0014g, com exceção da comparação entre os dados do colírio A com o colírio D, que não apresentou variação estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: O presente estudo demonstra a ausência de uniformidade das gotas dispensadas pelos frascos de colírios disponíveis no mercado e a sua inadequação à real necessidade, uma vez que as gotas dispensadas são maiores do que o indicado. Esse fato torna-se um problema quando se trata de período de tratamento prolongado, especialmente com colírios dispendiosos como os indicados para a terapêutica do glaucoma. Nesse sentido, a padronização das gotas de colírios se faz necessária.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intra and inter variations of eye drops volume dispensed from bottles available on the market. Methods: Five bottles of lubricant eye drops were studied and nineteen volunteers participated in this study. The average mass from 20µl of eye drops was obtained using accuracy micropipette and balance, and used as standard for comparison with the mass of the drops obtained by the volunteers. Five drops of each vial were individually weighed with the tube perpendicular to the balance, using the first and second fingers of the right hand, so that the pressure was applied only in the middle of the flask. The experiments were performed in a room temperature (21±1°C). Results: All eye drops bottles showed a statistically significant variation on masses of the drops obtained by examiners when compared with the standard average weight of 0.0182±0,0014g, except when compared A with D eye drops, with no statistically significant variation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the lack of uniformity of drops dispensed by eye drops bottles available in the market and its inadequacy to the real need, since the dispensed drops are larger than indicated.This fact becomes a problem when it comes to long treatment period, especially with expensive drops as indicated for glaucoma therapy. In this sense, the standardization of drops of eye drops is necessary.

ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL CHANGES TEAR PRODUCTION UNDER THE ACTION OF THE EYE DROPS ON THE BASE OF NATURAL MOLECULE OF ECTOINE AND ARTIFICIAL TEARS IN PATIENTS WITH DRY EYE SYNDROME ON THE BACKGROUND OF ENDOCRINE OPHTHALMOPATHY.

Conducted a comparative analysis of functional changes in tear production in patients with dry eye syndrome and endocrine ophthalmopathy in the conditions of the long-term acting of preservative free medications based on natural substances. A total of 30 people, aged 35 to 53 years old with clinical manifestations of DES on the background of EO were divided on two groups. In I group eye drops of ectoine and in II - artificial tears were administered. The examination included general and specific methods. The term of follow up - 30 days. It was found that long-term use of preservative free eye drops based on ectoine leads to more expressive positive changes in the condition of the anterior surface of the eye and the secretion and quality of the tear.

Volume da gota dos colírios lubrificantes: estudo farmacoeconômico / Drop volume of artificial tear solutions: pharmacoeconomic study

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o volume médio das gotas produzidas pelos colírios lubrificantes em diferentes ângulos de inclinação e determinar o custo médio do tratamento. Métodos: Determinação do volume da gota de 3 frascos originais dos colírios lubrificantes Artelac®, Hylo Comod®, Lacrima® Plus, Systane® UL, Lacrifilm®, Hyabak®, Lacribell®, Ecofilm®, Mirugell®, Plenigell®, Fresh Tears®, Optive® e Endura® à inclinação de 90º e 45º. Determinou-se o número médio de gotas em cada frasco e foi feita avaliação farmacoeconômica dos colírios. Resultados: O volume das gotas variou de 32,2 a 64,0 µL a 45o e de 29,1 a 65,1 µL a 90o. A diferença entre as gotas em cada inclinação foi de 2 a 24% e o custo anual dos colírios de acordo com a inclinação variou de R$2,73 a R$130,73. A Duração Máxima de Tratamento (DMT) foi de 29,3 a 51,4 dias na inclinação de 45o, e de 28,8 a 48,4 dias a 90º, sendo que a diferença na DMT foi de 0,5 até 8 dias a mais ou a menos, de acordo com a marca. Conclusão: Nenhum dos colírios estudados apresentou gotas ideais para o olho humano, levando a um desperdício do produto e maior custo para o fabricante e para o consumidor. Percebemos que existe uma variação significativa no volume da gota de acordo com a inclinação do frasco, e que uma variação maior do que 10% traria impactos financeiros para o paciente.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the mean drop volume produced by artificial tear solutions in different inclination angles and to determine the mean cost of the treatment. Methods: The drop volume of 3 original bottles of the artificial tear solutions Artelac®, Hylo Comod®, Lacrima® Plus, Systane® UL, Lacrifilm®, Hyabak®, Lacribell®, Ecofilm®, Mirugell®, Plenigell®, Fresh Tears®, Optive® and Endura® were determined at the inclination of 90º and 45º. The mean number of drops in each bottle was determined and a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the drops was made. Results: The drop volume ranged from 32.2 to 64.0 µL at 45º and from 29.1 to 65.1 µL at 90º. The difference between drops in each inclination varied from 2 to 24%. The annual cost was from R$2,73 to R$130,73 according to the inclination of the bottle. The Maximum Duration of Treatment (MDT) was from 29.3 to 51.4 days at 45o and from 28.8 to 48.4 days at 90º, being the difference in MDT from 0.5 to 8 more or less days depending on each brand. Conclusion: None of the collyria studied presented ideal drops for human eyes, leading to a waste of the product and higher cost for the manufacturer and the consumer. We noted that there is a significant variation in the drop volume according to the inclination of the bottle, and that a variation of over 10% would bring financial impact for the patient.

Fluorescein-tear breakup time as an assessment of efficacy of tear replacement therapy in dry eye patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To review outcomes of studies where fluorescein-tear breakup time (fTBUT) measurements had been made before and after treatment with artificial tears. METHODS: Peer-reviewed articles were identified that reported average values for fTBUT before and after approximately 1 month of treatment of dry eye with aqueous-based artificial tears. 48 data sets were used for calculating the net (percentage) change in fTBUT, with 21 including information of variability (as reported SD of average value) of the fTBUT data suitable for a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Prior to treatment, average fTBUT values ranged from 0.9 s to 11.8 s (group mean 4.7 +/- 1.7 s, n = 48 data sets). After treatment, these values ranged from 2.2 to 10.7 s (group mean 6.1 +/- 2.3 s; P<.001), with net increase for the treatment effect being 1.4 +/- 1.2 s (range - 1.4 to + 4.5 s). Similar changes were reported regardless of the type of product type. The meta-analysis confirmed a net effect at 1.3 s, with the magnitude of the variability (as a weighted SE) having a similar overall value of 1.1 s. CONCLUSIONS: Following use of 'artificial tears' by dry eye patients, a small but predictable increase in tear film stability has generally been reported, the net magnitude of which is close to a 33% improvement.

Efectividad y seguridad de carboximetil celulosa tópica para el tratamiento sintomático del ojo seco / Effectiveness and safety of topical carboxymethyl cellulose for the symptomatic treatment of dry eye

Antecedentes: Descripción de la condición de salud de interés: El síndrome de ojo seco se define como una enfermedad multifactorial de las lágrimas y de la superficie ocular que resulta en síntomas de disconfort, alteraciones visuales e inestabilidad de la capa acuosa del ojo con un daño potencial a la superficie ocular. La comparación de datos estratificados por edad acerca de la prevalencia de la enfermedad en estudios epidemiológicos de gran tamaño, dan cuenta de una prevalencia del 5 al 35%, una afectación mayor de los hispanos y de los asiáticos cuando son comparados contra los caucásicos. Descripción de la tecnolo\r\ngía: El tratamiento más común para la condiciónde Ojo Seco, es el uso de lágrimas artificiales en forma de colírios o gotas, se administran con el fin de complementar la producción de lágrimas naturales. Las lágrimas naturales constan de siete elementos básicos: agua, solución salina, sustancias que mejoran su permanencia en el ojo y conservantes. Contienen diferentes tipos de polímeros que actúan como ingredientes activos que buscan proteger la superficie de la mucosa ocular. Evaluación de efectividad y seguridad: Pregunta de investigación: En pacientes con síndrome de ojo seco ¿es más efectiva y segura la caroboximetilcelulosa comparado con no hacer nada? La pregunta de investigación fue validada teniendo en cuenta las siguientes fuentes de información: registro sanitario INVIMA, Acuerdo 029 de 2011, guías de práctica clínica, reportes de evaluación de tecnologías, revisiones sistemáticas y narrativas de la literatura, estudios de prevalencia/incidencia y carga de enfermedad, consulta con expertos temáticos, y otros actores clave. Población: Pacientes con síndrome de ojo seco. Tecnología de interés: Carboximetilcelulosa. Metodología: Búsqueda de literatura, Búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas. Conclusiones: Con el protocolo de búsqueda establecido no se halló evidencia que permita establecer la efectividad y la seguridad de la carboximetilcelulosa para el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome de ojo seco.