Dry eye disease

Dry eye disease is usually a chronic condition that significantly affects the quality of life of afflicted individuals due to the associated discomfort and visual disability.[2]Amescua G, Ahmad S, Cheung AY, et al. Dry eye syndrome preferred practice pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2024 Apr;131(4):P1-49. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.12.041 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38349301?tool=bestpractice.com Although highly variable, prognosis is generally good.[3]Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II definition and classification report. Ocul Surf. 2017 Jul;15(3):276-83. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012417301192?via%3Dihub http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28736335?tool=bestpractice.com Most patients will find suitable treatments and notice improvements in symptoms and quality of life; however, small cohorts will have treatment resistant disease.

There is a risk that patients may remain relatively symptom-free but have significant defects. The resulting deficient homeostatic milieu can lead to increased vascularization, scarring, and long-term vision deterioration. Management of these patients involves gradual reduction of eye drop frequency but most patients require life-long topical treatment.