ESI doctors leading the way in advancing dry eye detection and treatment

Posted in: News / Events on October 16, 2009

Dry eye is the number one reason why a patient visits an eye care practitioner. Common symptoms include eye irritation, grittiness, discomfort, and redness. Poor and fluctuating vision are also extremely common symptoms. Treatment options typically include artificial tears, topical cyclosporine (Restasis®), topical steroids, oral supplements, and punctal plugs. There is increasing evidence that treating dry eye prior to cataract or refractive surgery is important in achieving maximum visual outcomes.

Eye Surgeons of Indiana (ESI) has gained a reputation as a leader in the evolving role of dry eye management in patients undergoing eye surgery. Dr. Brenda Wahl and Dr. Kevin Waltz had an article published in the September issue of Ophthalmology Management titled “You can Diagnose Dry Eye Preoperatively”. The use of corneal topography in identifying patients with dry eye was discussed. This test is performed in all patients having cataract and refractive surgery at ESI. Recent advances in corneal topography technology have allowed ESI doctors to discover evidence of dry eye in patients that may have minimal to no symptoms prior to surgery. Changes in topography can be seen after initiating treatment. This typically results in a better visual outcome following surgery.

Dr. Anthony Lombardo is also very involved in dry eye research at ESI. He was asked to share his expertise in managing patients with dry eye at the 26th Annual Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in September. This prestigious meeting was held in Barcelona, Spain. Dr. Lombardo presented similar information on the role of topography in identifying dry eye prior to eye surgery.