Page 77 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:10 Otic & Ophthalmic Disorders | Dermatological Disorders

Etiology

Patients who have undergone refractive surgery may complain of transient dry eyes for weeks to months
after the procedure.

Drugs with anticholinergic properties (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants), decongestants, diuretics, and
beta blockers may cause dry eye.

Diseases: Dry eye is a common complication of many diseases (e.g. autoimmune diseases). These
conditions can cause both insufficient tear production and damage to the ocular surface (e.g. Thyroid
disorders & rheumatoid arthritis).

The condition may be exacerbated by allergens or other environmental conditions (e.g., dry or dusty
working situations),

or by exposure to heating and air conditioning systems that reduce relative humidity, thereby increasing the
evaporation of tears.

Treatment of Dry eye disease

Early stages of dry eye disease often lend themselves to self-treatment, but as disease severity increases;
medical intervention is required.
Without proper and timely diagnosis and treatment, dry eye disease can eventuate in severe damage to ocular
tissues, particularly the corneal surface.

Treatment goals:

The goal in treating dry eye disease is to alleviate the dryness of the ocular surface, thereby relieving the
symptoms of irritation and preventing possible corneal and noncorneal tissue damage.
The primary modality of self-treatment for dry eye disease is the use of ocular lubricants as artificial tears.
Treatment also may include other pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic recommendations including:
✓ Patient education,
✓ environmental modifications,
✓ elimination of offending topical or systemic medications,

✓ and use of systemic omega-3 fatty acid supplements (e.g., flaxseed oil).

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