Current Trends in the Recognition and Treatment of Dry Eye: A Survey of Ophthalmologists

Abstract

Purpose: Based on the questionnaires for dry eyes in 2006, we have investigated the current status and new trends in the recognition and management of the dry eye. Methods: We ask the 15 questionnaires to 197 ophthalmologists. After reorganizing the data based on each questions, we compared the result with the most current studies in Korea and other countries as well. Then, we report the current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye. Results: Dry eye patients account for take up about 20-30% of total outpatients and it is currently accepted etiology that dry eye inflammation is related to the function of the immune system. Patient's symptoms and slit lamp examination are important for diagnosis. An anti-inflammatory therapy is needed for patients with moderate to severe dry eye. Conclusions: Increasingly, there are positive attitudes toward accepting that persistent dry eye is an inflammatory disease; therefore, there are increases in use of an anti-inflammatory agent for treatment.