Short course of steroids may improve outcomes for dry eye patients

Dry eye is estimated to affect between 20 million and 25 million Americans, with women more affected than men. In my practice in the suburban Philadelphia area, I can personally attest to that: Almost 30% of my practice is devoted to treating symptomatic dry eye patients. Most of these patients have already tried artificial tears, usually more than one brand, without substantial relief.Once we have confirmed a diagnosis of dry eye, we typically begin patients on a course of re-esterified oral omega-3 supplements and Restasis (topical cyclosporine 0.05%, Allergan). Some patients are content supplementing with artificial tears until this combination approach starts to work; others, often those with more advanced disease, complain about instillation pain and stinging. This latter group of patients may remain frustrated, leading to the discontinuation of their prescribed cyclosporine regimen.