Ocular surface disease (OSD): diagnostic, management, and clinical considerations in ?dry eye? (ACPE)

Dry eye disease (“dry eye”), also referred to as ocular surface disease and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition with a diverse group of etiologies and clinical presentations. Common symptoms include discomfort or pain, visual disturbance, and tear film instability. Compared with those without the condition, patients with dry eye experience higher rates of lost of work productivity, impaired of daily activities, medical visits, and sleep and mood disorders, and worse emotion well-being and overall quality of life. Although dry eye prevalence varies based on a variety of patient factors, estimates place the prevalence of dry eye as high as 19% of the adult population and more than 34% of the elderly population.

Due to the widespread impact of dry eye, it has been termed a “modern epidemic,” yet current clinical practice in terms of understanding, diagnosing, and managing dry eye is suboptimal, representing a potential gap in care. Dry eye is both underdiagnosed and under treated.

1. Discuss the causes, symptoms, and types of dry eye or ocular surface disease, emphasizing the pathophysiology that impacts treatment decisions
2. Describe the clinical implications of dry eye on contact lens or surgical success, and apply this knowledge in patient cases when discussing expectations with patients
3. Utilize patient history, ocular examination, and tear quantity tests to accurately diagnose ocular surface disease, with an emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis
4. Compare available and emerging treatments for ocular surface disease based on mechanisms of action and efficacy, with a focus on individualizing treatments to improve patient outcomes

Credit Designation:

ScientiaCME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. This program is approved for 1.00 hours of continuing education. Proof of participation will be posted to your NABP CPE profile within 4 to 6 weeks to participants who have successfully completed the post-test. Participants must participate in the entire presentation and complete the course evaluation to receive continuing pharmacy education credit.