Emerging therapies for dry eye disease

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is defined as a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and a vicious cycle of inflammation on the ocular surface. Despite its high prevalence and standing as one of the most common eye conditions seen by practitioners, the current treatment options available to patients have not proven adequate.

Areas covered

This review will discuss the burden of DED, its pathophysiology, as well as emerging therapies. These therapies include immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. The mechanisms of these drugs will be discussed, as well as their phase of development and results from recent clinical trials. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Springer AdisInsight database.

Expert Opinion

The optimal therapy for DED is associated with improved bioavailability, minimal ocular side effects, and effective dosing. The ideal treatment has not yet been established, but this paper outlines a number of promising therapies. Continued development of therapies targeting the inflammation cascade, as well as the establishment of objective markers to quantify DED severity, are important aspects in the progression of treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Dry eye
• ocular surface
• ocular lubricant
• neurotrophic keratitis
• cornea
• tears
• meibomian
• ophthalmic

Funding

This paper was not funded.

Declaration of interest

JD Sheppard Jr. reports being a consultant to Allergan, Abbvie, Bausch & Lomb, Mitotech, Novartis, Noveome, Novalique, Oyster Point, Topivert, Aldeyra. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer Disclosures

A reviewer on this manuscript has disclosed that they are a consultant for Alcon, Santen, and Zeiss. All other peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose