Dry eye conditions

Question 1

Dry eye conditions

Answer 1

Tear deficiency, ocular lubricants and astringents

Question 2

Chronic soreness of the eyes associated with

Answer 2

reduced or abnormal tear secretion (e.g. in Sjögren’s syndrome) often responds to tear replacement therapy or pilocarpine given by mouth in adults. The severity of the condition and patient preference will often guide the choice of preparation.

Question 3

the drug of choice for tear deficiency

Answer 3

 HYPROMELLOSE is the drug of choice for tear deficiency. It must be instilled hourly for adequate relief. Ocular surface mucin is often abnormal in tear deficiency, thus a combination of Hypromellose and mucolytic (e.g. acetylcysteine) may be helpful.

Question 4

CARBOMER eye drops

Answer 4

 CARBOMER eye drops cling to the eye surface, which may help reduce the administration frequency to FOUR times a day.

Question 5

POLYVINYL ALCOHOL

Answer 5

 POLYVINYL ALCOHOL increases persistence of the tear film + is useful when ocular surface mucin is reduced

Question 6

SODIUM HYALURONATE

Answer 6

 SODIUM HYALURONATE is also used in the management of tear deficiency.

Question 7

SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% DROPS

Answer 7

 SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% DROPS are sometimes useful in tear deficiency and can be used as ‘comfort drops’ by contact lens wearers, and to facilitate lens removal. They also are used to irrigate the eye.

Question 8

Eye ointments containing a paraffin can be used to

Answer 8

lubricate the eye surface, especially in cases of recurrent corneal epithelial erosion. They may cause temporary visual disturbance and are best suited for application before sleep. Ointments should not be used during contact lens wear.