Dry Eye - The Patient Journey Part 1

Peter Karvik .

Caroline Christie 2

Peter Karvik

Leg. optiker

Caroline Christie

BSc (Hons), FCOptom

 

Ocular dryness has a complex aetiology, but with common features of tear film insufficiency or instability and symptoms of ocular irritation, grittiness and burning. It is well within the clinical competencies of optometrists and contact lens practitioners to deal with this and in most instances it does not need to be referred or sales of products lost to pharmacies.

 

Optimal management of dry eye requires listening carefully to the patient's history and symptoms, gleaning information about their work and recreational environment, detailed assessment of the tears and ocular surface using a battery of tests and an appreciation of the numerous management approaches that exist.

 

Part one of these two presentations will review not only the science behind the latest concepts, diagnostic tests and products currently but will explore and discuss ideas on how best to integrate them into routine clinical practice. Part two will help the practitioner to consolidate clinical findings and recommend a more tailor-made approach to management rather than a one-fits-all approach.

 

These presentations will outline the patient journey in the form of a "dry eye work up" and leave practitioners better informed regarding which tests to employ, how to interpret them and most importantly communicate findings and subsequent management to patients.

 

 

Tillbaka