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. 2024 Jun 1;50(6):259-264.
doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000001086. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

Patient-Reported Dry Eye Treatment and Burden of Care

Cherie B Nau  1 , Amy C Nau, Jennifer S Fogt, Jennifer S Harthan, Ellen S Shorter, Muriel M Schornack
Affiliations

Patient-Reported Dry Eye Treatment and Burden of Care

Cherie B Nau et al. Eye Contact Lens. .

Abstract

Objectives: Dry eye is a common condition that can decrease the quality of life. This survey-based study of persons with dry eye investigated self-reported treatments (initial, current), out-of-pocket expenses, time spent on self-management, sources of care, and sources of information about their condition.

Methods: Online dry eye newsletters and support groups were emailed a link to an electronic survey asking members to participate. Survey respondents were not required to answer every question.

Results: In total, 639 persons with self-reported dry eye responded (86% women, 14% men [n=623]; mean ± SD age, 55 ± 14 years [n=595]). Artificial tears were the most reported intervention (76% initially, 71% currently). The median (interquartile range) out-of-pocket treatment cost annually was $500 ($200-$1,320 [n=506]). In addition, 55% (n=544) estimated 5 to 20 min daily on self-management; 22% spent an hour or more. Ophthalmologists provided most dry eye care (67%, n=520). Only 48% (n=524) reported that their primary source of dry eye information came from their eye care clinician.

Conclusions: Artificial tears are the primary treatment for dry eye. Ophthalmologists provide most dry eye care, but half of patients report that their eye care provider is not their primary source of information. Almost one fourth of patients spend an hour or more daily on treatments.

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Conflict of interest statement

A. C. Nau has consulted for Oyster Point Pharma and has been a paid lecturer for Eye Eco. J. S. Harthan is a consultant for Allergan, Essilor of America, Euclid Systems Corp, International Keratoconus Academy, Metro Optics, Visioneering Technologies Inc, Bausch + Lomb Inc, Kala Pharmaceuticals, and Ocular Therapeutix Inc. J. S. Fogt has received research funding from Nevakar Inc, EyeNovia Inc, Alcon, Innovega Inc, and Contamac US Inc and consulted for Alcon and Contamac. E. S. Shorter has received a research grant from Johnson & Johnson, SynergEyes, and Art Optical Contact Lens Inc and was a paid speaker for BostonSight and Oculus. The remaining authors have no funding or conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure.
Figure.
Reported Time Spent Daily on Dry Eye Management (n=544).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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