Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Abstract: Another kind of plug for Restasis

Next in the AJMC supplement series...

Artificial tears, steroids, plugs, Restasis. Emphasis on the blockbuster drug. Obligatory nod to lid care. Highly practical suggestion of avoiding exacerbating factors. (Eureka! I'll keep my eyes closed 24/7 so as not to subject them to exacerbating factors like office air, home air, and outdoor air. Golly, why didn't I think of that?)

Yawn. Some things never change.

Management of dry eye disease.
Lemp MA.
Am J Manag Care. 2008 Apr;14(3 Suppl):S88-101

The management of dry eye disease (DED) encompasses both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches, including avoidance of exacerbating factors, eyelid hygiene, tear supplementation, tear retention, tear stimulation, and anti-inflammatory agents. Artificial tears are the mainstay of DED therapy but, although they improve symptoms and objective findings, there is no evidence that they can resolve the underlying inflammation in DED. Topical corticosteroids are effective anti-inflammatory agents, but are not recommended for long-term use because of their adverse-effect profiles. Topical cyclosporine--currently the only pharmacologic treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically for DED--is safe for long-term use and is disease-modifying rather than merely palliative. Treatment selection is guided primarily by DED severity. Recently published guidelines propose a severity classification based on clinical signs and symptoms, with treatment recommendations according to severity level.

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