Dry eye conditions

Question 1

How does dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) present?

what is treatment choice based on?

Answer 1

chronic soreness and inflammation of ocular surface with reduced or abnormal tear secretion (Sjogren’s syndrome)

Responds to tear replacement - eye drops/ointment (used at night) or gels. The preparation depends on the type of dry eye - is it aqueous deficient or evaporative

Question 2

What are some of the treatment options? (4)

Answer 2

1. Hypromellose (requires frequent administration to reach adequate symptom relief)
2. Carbomers below and polyvinyl alcohol - due to higher viscosity can cling to eye surface area reducing application frequency to QDS.
3. Ocular lubricants such as carmellose and sodium hyaluronate - moderate to severe dry eye
4. Ointments containing paraffin can be used to lubricate especially hen recurrent. Only applied at night due to potential visual disturbance and should not be used during contact lenses wear.

Question 3

Indication
Drug class
Age
Dose
Legal class 

of Acetylcysteine 5% eye drops (Ilube)?

Answer 3

1. Tear deficiency/impaired or abnormal mucus production
2. Ocular lubricant
3. Adults - apply 3 to 4 times a day
4. POM

Question 4

Indication
Drug class
Age
Dose
Legal class 

of Carbomers eye drops/gel (Viscotears/ / Xailin/ Blephagel)?

Answer 4

1. Dry eyes
2. Ocular lubricant
3. Child & Adult 3-4 times a day PRN
4. P

Question 5

Indication
Drug class
Age & Dose
Legal class

of Carmellose eye drops/gel (Carmize/ / Xailin Fresh/ Celluvisc)?

Answer 5

1. Dry eyes (applied QDS)
2. Ocular lubricant
3. Child & Adult - PRN
4. P

Some preparations are contained in units which are resealable and may be sued for up to 12 hours.

Question 6

What is the generic name for artificial tears?

Answer 6

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Question 7

Indication
Drug class
Age & Dose
Legal class 
Brand Names

of Hypromellose eye drops?

Answer 7

1. Tear deficiency (applied hourly)
2. Ocular lubricant
3. Child & Adult - PRN
4. P
5. Lumecare, Hypromol, Tear Lac, Xailin Hydrate, Ocufresh

Question 8

What are some brand names for Sodium hyaluronate eye drops? (5)

Answer 8

Hylo-fresh
Hyabak
Hycosan
Ocusan
Xailin HA

Question 9

Soybean oil can be used for dry eye. True or False

Answer 9

True

Brand name Emustil