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Dry eye disease management in Portugal- Online Survey Results

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First Author: F.Gouveia-Moraes PORTUGAL

Co Author(s):    S. Rodrigues-Barros   T. Loureiro   A. Carreira   D. Lopes   N. Marques   N. Campos     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

With growing prevalence, a significant socioeconomic burden and reduced quality of life among patients and a definite impact in cataract and laser vision correction surgeries outcomes, dry eye disease (DED) is currently a hot topic in ophthalmology. In recent years, several guidelines have been carried out to standardize the diagnosis and treatment approach. We intend to characterize current practices in Portugal, identify opportunities for improvement and delineate strategies to address them.

Setting:

Online Survey developed at Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Garcia de Orta E.P.E, Almada.

Methods:

Cross-sectional online survey designed to assess the diagnostic approach and treatment of DED, and made available to ophthalmologists in private and public sectors across the country. The survey included 5 questions on ophthalmological profile of participants, 4 questions on DED diagnosis and 3 questions on DED treatment. Statistical analysis was made using SPSS version 26.

Results:

122 ophthalmologists answered the survey (about 10% of practitioners in Portugal). 48% observe between 20-40 patients with DED per month. 67% always examine ocular surface in laser vision correction candidates whereas for cataract surgery only 30% always do. The most frequently identified DED symptom is foreign body sensation. The most used complementary diagnostic methods are fluorescein staining and TBUT. Almost 50% never used lacrimal plugs and a few used contact lenses and autologous serum. Most ophthalmologists (80%) consider treatment for mild DED very effective but only 0.01% in severe DED. 36% believe available treatment options are ineffective in severe DED.

Conclusions:

DED represents a high volume of patients seen in ophthalmology clinics. Our results mimic others in Europe and US and overall, diagnosis and treatment practice patterns are in agreement with the current recommendations. However, there is still the need to improve. All patient prior surgery should be examined for DED, symptoms should be considered more as part of diagnosis and follow-up, and some treatment options should be considered more often (for example lacrimal plugs). Our findings also highlight the concern with treatment in severe DED patients, suggesting that more effective therapies are needed.

Financial Disclosure:

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