VIEWPOINT

DRY EYE IN YOUR PRACTICE

THIS MONTH, OM COVERS DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PATIENT EDUCATION

JIM THOMAS
Editorial Director

WHILE THE public might lack an awareness of dry eye disease (DED), current research continues to define the scope and impact of the disease. For example, a June article in Current Pharmaceutical Design (Al-Saedi, Z, et al), called DED “a significant public health issue.” Also, Kelly Nichols, O.D., et al, concluded that DED “markedly reduces workplace and non-job-related performances” in a study published in last month’s Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Further, we might assume that as the use of digital media continues to climb (led by a projected increase of 61.3% in wearable technology this year, according to eMarketer statistics), there will be more instances in which blink rates drop, thereby increasing the risk of DED.

DED MANAGEMENT FROM PATIENT TO CLINIC

Recognizing the seriousness of this chronic condition, Optometric Management presents the latest thoughts on the management of DED. Melissa Barnett, O.D., addresses the vital role lid hygiene plays in helping to maintain a healthy ocular surface in the feature “Screen for Lid Hygiene,” (p.16). In addition to a discussion of screening, the article offers steps to guide patients through performing routine lid hygiene.

Marc Bloomenstein, O.D., takes a look at current dry eye treatments — and those in the pipeline — in “DED Symptom Solutions” (p.18). “The only limiting factor for treatment is the doctor who fails to diagnose DED,” writes Dr. Bloomenstein.

The idea of appropriate and thorough diagnosis echoes throughout the pages of this issue, from “O.D. to O.D.” by Scot Morris, (p.2) to Josh Johnston’s “Anterior” article on aqueous-deficient DED (p.22) to the “Coding Strategy” column by John Rumpakis, O.D. (p.56)

PRESENT VALUE AND BENEFITS

Research varies regarding the incidence of DED. The often-cited 2012 Gallup poll found more than 26 millions Americans suffer from the disease. But ultimately, what matters most is the incidence rate among your patients. . . and your plans to identify and treat them. OM