Abstract
Purpose: :
It is estimated that approximately 1.68 million men and 3.25 million women in the United States over 50 years of age suffer from dry eye. Currently, there is very little information regarding treatment satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to understand treatment patterns and satisfaction among patients with dry eye disease.
Methods: :
RESTORE is a large, multi-center, observational study of dry eye patients that collected information about disease severity (using Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire), disease burden, treatment patterns, and treatment satisfaction at initial physician visit and over time. Dry eye patients were included if they had normal lid position and closure, were currently using artificial tears (AT) daily, and were not using topical or oral cyclosporine. Analysis of the baseline data was conducted to understand treatment patterns and satisfaction at initial physician visit. Treatment pattern information was obtained from patients using detailed questions about their current and past use of over-the-counter and prescription medications used to treat their dry eye. Treatment satisfaction information was obtained from patients using a 6-point Likert scale.
Results: :
Total of 766 patients visiting their physicians with chief complaint of dry eye were enrolled at 40 sites. The mean age of the patients was 61(SD 16.6) years, 80% were female, and 88% were Caucasian. Twenty three percent of these patients reported using ATs ≥ 5 times per day. About 22% of dry eye patients also reported using prescription medication such as topical antibiotics or punctal plugs for dry eye. Only 26% of patients reported being somewhat or very satisfied with their current dry eye treatment. Among severe patients, only 20% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their dry eye treatment.
Conclusions: :
Patient satisfaction with their current or prior treatments was very low in this group of patients at their initial physician visit. More aggressive management strategies may be warranted in patients visiting their physicians with the chief complaint of dry eye.
Keywords: quality of life