title: Understanding dry eye disease: a managed care perspective.
abstract: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder that results in eye discomfort, visual disturbance, and often ocular surface damage. This supplement to The American Journal of Managed Care discusses the prevalence of DED and the economic burden associated with DED. The etiology and pathophysiology of DED will also be discussed, including disease progression and impact on the patient's quality of life. With greater understanding of the pathophysiology of DED, there are numerous available therapies/strategies for the management of the disorder, ranging from artificial tear substitutes, anti-inflammatory agents, secretagogues, punctal plugs, and systemic immunosuppressives, to surgery. This activity will aim to provide managed healthcare professionals with an understanding of when and how to use these different strategies to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Fiscella
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005123:Eye / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D016572:Cyclosporine