What is the future of ocular lubricants in dry eye treatment?
Léa Surugue looks at the dynamic expansion of next-generation artificial tears, and asks what other tailored products are emerging.
The TFOS DEWS II report of 2017 established the idea that dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder. Manifesting itself with varying degrees of severity, DED requires a variety of treatment approaches. Research has been moving along quickly to discover new products that can best address this complexity, while recognising the difficulty of finding a universal treatment for all.
Until now, traditional ocular lubricants have tended to offer patients only a palliative approach to dry eye symptom management, without necessarily trying to resolve the causes of the disorder.
Jennifer Craig FCOptom, Vice-Chair and one of the lead authors of the TFOS DEWS II report, explains: “New lubricants are working harder than ever to address the different reasons people have dry eyes, which often requires complex combinations of features within the drops.
Not already a member of the College?
Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.
Related further reading
The College of Optometrists offers support to hay fever sufferers on managing their symptoms.
This Halloween we're urging the public to think about their eye health.
The College of Optometrists is encouraging drivers to consider their eyesight when driving.