Millions need treatment for this multifactorial disease

More than 16 million adults in the United States have diagnosed dry eye disease (DED), concludes a study published last October in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. The study reports that of this 6.8% of the population, prevalence increased with age, to 18.6% in adults ages 75 and older, and was higher among women (8.8% vs. 4.5% in men). The study also reported there was no substantial difference in prevalence/risk of DED by race, education or region.

Estimates of the total prevalence of all dry eye in the United States can vary. But regardless of the research cited, the numbers do tell us that DED represents a substantial opportunity for patient care among optometric practices. This opportunity lies in not only helping patients feel and look better, but in helping them see better — “the tear layer affects vision, meaning DED is a vision disease,” writes Scott Schachter, O.D., in “Practical Steps to DED Care,” p.28.

PRESENTING THE DRY EYE BASICS

As a starting point for this opportunity, Optometric Management this month offers its “Practicing Medical Optometry” (PMO) — its third installment — on DED. In the introduction to the PMO section, Whitney Hauser, O.D., provides the basics on DED, including disease etiology and the key to identifying DED patients.

Drs. Vin T. Dang and Walt Whitley discuss the tools available to aid in the DED diagnosis, from the patient history to advanced technology, beginning on p.16 (“Be the DED Detective”). Next, Jade Coats, O.D., provides practical advice for treatment in “Defy Dry Eye...” beginning on p.20. The online versions of both of these articles, available at optometricmanagement.com , include bonus coverage — product listings that will be updated on a regular basis.

The PMO section concludes with Dr. Schachter’s feature on the six steps that enable optometrists to build a thriving DED clinic. Within six months of following the steps in his article, Dr. Schachter tripled his medical visits. That’s impressive. But no matter the numbers you use, OM wishes you success in maximizing your opportunities with DED care. OM