Ocular Surface Disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition of the ocular surface and tears. It is frequently encountered in ocular practices, comprising nearly 33% of visits in the USA, and with an estimated global prevalence ranging between 5% and 50%.1,2 The chronic symptoms and discomfort reported by patients with DED directly impact their quality of life […]

Reproxalap is a reactive aldehyde species (RASP) inhibitor believed to mitigate inflammatory conditions such as dry eye disease (DED), allergic conjunctivitis and uveitis.1 RASP are pro-inflammatory molecules that covalently bind to thiol and amino groups expressed on various receptors and kinases. This binding activates the pro-inflammatory signalling cascade, which involves the activation of inflammatory cytokines leading to inflammation and pro–histaminic factors leading to an allergic response.1 Malondialdehyde (MDA) […]

The Boston Keratoprosthesis type II (BK2) device may be the only viable option to salvage vision in patients with severe cicatrizing ocular surface disease. The prior BK2 model was modified to the present day (click-on) model in 2009. The clinical outcomes of the current click-on BK2 model is discussed in this touchOPHTHALMOLOGY interview with Dr […]

Demodex blepharitis is a highly prevalent lid margin disease that is commonly missed or misdiagnosed by eye care professionals. The disease is caused by an infestation of Demodex mites – tiny parasites that live in the eyelash follicles and feed on oily sebum. When present in small numbers, the effects of these mites are subclinical and are likely […]

The prevalence of both dry eye disease and sleep apnoea has steadily increased in the USA.1 Importantly, new research reveals the need for multispecialty collaboration based on evidence that patients may be at risk for eye irritation secondary to airflow from mask leakage or retrograde nasolacrimal air escape.2 Sleep apnoea and ocular disorders Sleep apnoea is […]

Dry eye disease (DED) is an inflammatory condition of the cornea and conjunctiva that is characterized by tear-film instability and increased tear osmolarity.1–3 While DED is traditionally viewed as a chronic condition, many patients experience episodic exacerbations of the disease, also referred to as flares or episodic dry eye.1 Until recently, the need for an effective treatment […]

It was a pleasure to interview Marie Bannier-Hélaouët (Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands) about her fascinating research into lachrymal gland organoids, which have great potential for the future treatment of lachrymal gland dysfunction. Questions What are the consequences of lachrymal gland dysfunction, and what have been the limitations in […]

Over the past few years, we have witnessed an increasing awareness of the importance of treating ocular surface disease (OSD). Diagnoses such as dry eye and blepharitis, which were historically under-appreciated, now command attention from the ophthalmologist and investment from the ocular pharmaceutical industry. Proper treatment of the ocular surface is paramount to the health […]

Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that affects the corneal surface, and is clinically characterized by loss of tear volume and increased evaporation of tears.1,2 The definition of dry eye disease has evolved since it was first recognized over 30 years ago, with advanced research resulting in a better understanding of the disease pathophysiology.3 The official […]