Recent Trends in Dry Eye Disease Treatment in Asia

Abstract

Purpose of review. Summarize recent trends in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) in Asia. Recent findings. In recent years, effective new generation eye drops, such as dicuafosol ophthalmic solution and rebamipide ophthalmic solution, which are mucin secretion stimulants, and cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, an immunosuppressive agent, have been approved in various countries for the treatment of DED. Additional newer adjunctive therapies such as laser acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy when eye drops do not provide satisfactory results, new generation intense pulsed light therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction-related DED, and human umbilical cord serum eye drops for severe DED are also of interest. These adjunctive therapies target the suppression of inflammation primarily. Summary. New generation eye drops have made it possible to control mild DED. For patients with moderate to severe disease, the addition of eye drops and adjunctive treatment is recommended. Because DED with an unstable tear film is common in Asia, treatment of DED in Asia might first include mucin secretion-promoting eye drops, with anti-inflammatory treatment preferred if additional treatment is needed. In addition, further research is needed to improve treatment continuity because DED is a chronic disease requiring continuous treatment.