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Q&A
Q&A
Associate Professor Colin Chan, Ophthalmic Surgeon,
Vision Eye Institute, MBBS(Hons) FRANZCO
Conjoint Associate Professor, SOVS, UNSW
clinical senior lecturer, University of Sydney
Refresh
your
eyes
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions, with
incidence rates estimated to be as high as 50 per cent of
people over the age of 50.
D
ry eye can cause significant
functional issues with patients
reporting increased difficulty
reading, using the computer,
watching TV and driving. Dry eye has also
been estimated to be a significant cost burden
to society with direct costs (cost of treatment
and medical consultations) and indirect costs
(loss of productivity) estimated to be $3.84
billion annually in the USA.
In its most severe form, dry eye can
interrupt sleep, has been associated with
depression and can cause blindness due
to corneal ulceration. Yet despite its high
should
Q What
I recommend
when a patient
comes into my
pharmacy with
dry eyes?
• Regular artificial tears at
least three to four times
a day.
• Warm compresses with
either a face cloth or
heat bag.
• Lid hygiene especially if
crusting of the eyelids is
a complaint.
• Omega 3 supplements usually 2000-3000mg.
are
Q What
some of
incidence and functional impact on patients,
it is accepted that healthcare professionals
manage dry eye poorly.
Dry eye is usually grouped into two main
categories: evaporative tear loss typically due
to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and
aqueous deficiency (AD) or lacrimal gland
dysfunction. Common causes of MGD are
blepharitis, rosacea, contact lens wear and
menopause.
Common causes of AD are Sjogrens and
ocular surgery.
To read more visit the Contact website at:
www.contactmagazine.com.au
should
Q When
I recommend
the common
symptoms of dry
eye?
preservative free
artificial tears
as opposed to
bottled versions?
• Epiphora especially in
windy conditions or
air-conditioned environments. One of the most
common causes of a
watery eye is a dry eye.
• Dry feeling, grittiness,
soreness and burning.
• Fluctuating vision.
• Preservative free
artificial tears are
recommended when the
patient is using tears
more than four times
a day, or if the patient
has severe dry eye, or is
already on other topical
medications containing
preservatives.
are some
Q What
of the common
medications used
for severe dry
eye?
•C
ommonly prescribed
medications are topical
steroids such as FML,
oral tetracyclines such
as doxycycline and
topical cyclosporine
(Restasis). Often
courses of therapy may
be for weeks or months,
especially if the dry eye
is severe or chronic.
For more
information,
talk to your
HealthOne
Representative
or phone
1800 252 224
Always read the label and
recommend only as directed.
If symptoms persist, advise
patients to consult their
healthcare professional.
REFRESH PLUS®,REFRESH TEARS
PLUS®, and REFRESH CONTACTS®
contain carmellose sodium 5mg/
mL. REFRESH LIQUIGEL® contains
carmellose sodium 10mg/mL. Allergan
Australia Pty Ltd. 810 Pacific Highway
Gordon NSW 2072. ABN 85 000
612 831. REFRESH PLUS®, REFRESH
LIQUIGEL®, REFRESH CONTACTS®,
and REFRESH TEARS PLUS® are
registered trademarks of Allergan Inc.
Do you have an eye care question?
Go to the Contact website to ask Professor Chan your eye care question. www.contactmagazine.com.au
The Autumn issue – CONTACT 5
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