A recent Advanced Ocular Care article by Larry E. Patterson, MD, “Rethinking First-Line Treatment for Dry Eye Disease,” discusses the importance of a holistic treatment approach for patients with dry eye. Patterson notes that cases of dry eye disease have steadily increased due to technological changes and the relationship between dry eye and refractive surgery. Instead of immediately pursuing intensive treatment options, Patterson encourages physicians to employ more basic first-line treatments.
The first step in Patterson’s diagnostic process is to administer the University of North Carolina Dry Eye Management Scale, the results of which will inform the type of treatment Patterson decides to pursue. Typically, Patterson recommends a combination of omega-3 triglyceride fish oil supplements and warm compresses to increase circulation throughout the meibomian glands; the combination constitutes Patterson’s preferred, holistic approach. As a next step, Patterson will prescribe artificial tears to increase ocular lubrication. Addressing patients’ diets is also a chief strategy, and, in rare cases, topical cyclosporine may be needed to treat inflammation.
If dry eye persists after these first-line treatments have been exhausted, Patterson will pursue more intensive options; namely, punctal occlusion. Patterson prefers the Comfortear® Lacrisolve™ 180 Absorbable Punctum Plugs, which absorb at approximately 180 days. Selecting an absorbable plug allows Patterson to reassess each patient’s condition at a 6-month interval.
Eye care professionals can purchase Comfortear® Lacrisolve™ 180 Absorbable Punctum Plugs online by registering for an account. Register to Buy Online*
As Patterson remarks, “The plugs are generally well tolerated and have a high retention rate; they are rarely dislodged due to eye rubbing or other factors. Aside from ease of use, they are comfortable and cost effective, and they have shown significant efficacy in relieving DED symptoms.”
To read the full article, visit Advanced Ocular Care.
Larry E. Patterson, MD, is the medical director of Eye Centers of Tennessee and a nationally recognized leader in the field of cataract and refractive surgery.
Paragon BioTeck, Inc., has developed a line of absorbable and non-absorbable punctum plugs to provide occlusion therapy to treat symptoms associated with dry eye disease that may result from allergies, cataracts, or contact lens intolerance. Patients who are unsure about whether occlusion therapy is right for them should talk with their eye doctor.
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