title: Choice of artificial tear formulation for patients with dry eye:  where do we start?
abstract: Dry eye is prevalent in many parts of the world. As a result, ophthalmologists and other health care professionals, such as optometrists and general practitioners, often help these patients manage their symptoms. The most common form of treatment for management of dry eye is over-the-counter tear lubricants. A number of tear lubricant formulations are available that vary by their mechanism of action. This article suggests simple guidelines on how lubricants can be selected for patients with mild to moderate dry eye. Side effects of lubricants, such as burning on instillation because of mismatches of eye drop with tear acidity, are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore. louis.tong.h.t@snec.com.sg
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petznick
authors.forename: SzeYee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical