This is not news.

The only reason I decided to highlight this study is it reminded me of how many calls I still get from people whose doctor tried one thing and then told them that’s all there is.

It’s UNBELIEVABLE.

The list of potential dry eye treatments is long, varied, and sophisticated. Are they are potentially suitable for you? Absolutely not. Everyone’s situation and medical needs are different.

But…. we’ve come a long, long way from ye olde plug & drop.

Advances in dry eye disease treatment.

O’Neil et al, Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, May 2019.

Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
The prevalence and burden of dry eye disease continues to grow at a rapid pace, creating an increased need for new therapies. In a sector once limited to only a handful of treatments, clinicians now have multiple options available for patients who fail traditional therapies. This review summarizes the various treatment options available to clinicians treating complex dry eye disease patients.
RECENT FINDINGS:
As we better understand the multifactorial mechanisms leading to dry eye disease, treatments increasingly focus on the amelioration of the underlying deficiencies and inflammation, rather than on transient symptomatic relief alone. Most topical medications seek to replace deficient growth factors and/or decrease inflammation on the ocular surface. The majority of new devices and procedures seek to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, with one new device stimulating tear production through utilizing the nasolacrimal reflex pathway.
SUMMARY:
Clinicians have more options at their disposal in the treatment of dry eye disease than ever before, including topical medications and devices.