touchDATA POINT
Management of Dry Eye Symptoms: Understanding the Role and Composition of Artificial Tears
Learning Objectives
After watching this activity, participants should be better able to:
- Reinforce the global and societal impact of dry eye symptoms and the medical need for artificial tears
- Educate on the common constituents of artificial tears, such as lubricants, osmoprotectants, humectants, lipids, electrolytes, and preservatives
Overview
Dry eye is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms in 5–50% of people and accounts for almost 25% of medical eye care visits.1-4 While not a direct treatment for the underlying etiology of dry eye disease,4 artificial tears can effectively relieve symptoms such as burning, irritation and discomfort.4 There are many artificial tear formulas available on the market, each containing a variety of active ingredients and inactive ingredients.5-11 In this short and engaging animation learn more about select types of ingredients and their roles within artificial tears.
References
- Alanazi SA, Badawood YS, Aldawood MA, et al. Effect of Refresh Plus® preservative-free lubricant eyedrops on tear ferning patterns in dry eye and normal eye subjects. Clin Ophthalmol. 2019;13:1011–1017.
- Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II definition and classification report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15:276–283.
- Miljanović B, Dana R, Sullivan DA, et al. Impact of dry eye syndrome on vision-related quality of life. Am J Ophthalmol. 2007;143:409–415.
- Horton M, Horton M, Reinhard E. Review of Optometry: Master the maze of artificial tears. Available at https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/master-the-maze-of-artificial-tears (accessed 13 October 2024).
- Laboutelle M, Benitez-del-Castillo J-M, Barabino S, et al. Artificial tears: biological role of their ingredients in the management of dry eye disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23:2434.
- Semp DA, Beeson D, Sheppard AL, et al. Artificial tears: a systematic review. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2023;15:9–27.
- Downie LE, et al. An artificial tear containing flaxseed oil for treating dry eye disease: a randomized controlled trial. Ocul Surf. 2020;18:148–157.
- Kathuria A, Shamloo K, Jhanji V, et al. Categorization of marketed artificial tear formulations based on their ingredients: a rational approach for their use. J Clin Med. 2021;10:1289.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Over-the counter (OTC) monograph M018: ophthalmic drug products for over-the-counter human use. 2022. Available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/OTC%20Monograph_M018-Ophthalmic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2004.04.22.pdf (accessed 13 October 2024).
- Hua X, Su Z, Deng R, et al. Effects of L-carnitine, erythritol and betaine on pro-inflammatory markers in primary human corneal epithelial cells exposed to hyperosmotic stress. Curr Eye Res. 2015;40:657–667.
- Laihia J, Kaarniranta K. Trehalose for ocular surface health. Biomolecules. 2020;10:809.
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