Bye-bye, dry eye

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a novel ciclosporin solution for the treatment of dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), a condition affecting 7.4% of Australians.

Reducing the underlying inflammation associated with dry eye disease and increasing tear production so the eyes are better lubricated, the treatment — known as CEQUA (ciclosporin 900 µ/mL) — belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. It works by reducing inflammation and increasing tear production so the eyes are better lubricated.

Dry eye is a widespread and complex disease that can significantly compromise vision, quality of life and work-related productivity. Symptoms can include discomfort, visual disturbance, burning, stinging, grittiness, foreign body sensation, tearing, ocular fatigue, redness, light sensitivity and dryness.

Concerningly, in the younger population, dry eye is becoming increasingly more common due to a surge in digital screen time. Exposure to air conditioning, ceiling fans and forced air heating systems in indoor environments can all lower humidity and exacerbate tear evaporation, causing dry eye symptoms.

Management of the disease is highly complicated due to its multifactorial aetiology.

Leading Ophthalmologist Associate Professor Colin Chan from Vision Eye Institute explained that dry eye affects more than 7% of the Australian population, representing one of the most common reasons for seeking medical eye care. According to Associate Professor Chan, one quarter of patients who visit ophthalmic clinics report symptoms of dry eye.

“Furthermore, one in five patients with dry eye are dissatisfied with their overall treatment due to lack of symptom relief, the time taken to relieve symptoms and treatment side effects,” he said.

Image caption: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Artem