Prevailing practices for the management of dry eye disease in India: A questionnaire based survey 2023

: Dry eye disease is a common ophthalmic condition which is chronic in nature, It is major health issue especially in the current digital era. Dry eye disease is one of the most common reasons for visiting eye care practitioners. To understand the treatment pattern of medical management of dry eye disease across India.This single visit, cross-sectional, non-interventional, interview-based ophthalmologist survey on dry eye disease (DED) was conducted between 10-13 May 2023 at 81st Annual Conference of All India Ophthalmological Society, Kochi–AIOC 2023. A total of 71 registered ophthalmologist from all over India attending AIOC 2023 who were willing to provide their written consent participated in the survey and completed structured questionnaire on dry eye disease management. Approximately 39.44% ophthalmologist have 20-40% of patients who visiting to daily OPD are suffering from DED, and 40.85% ophthalmologist said the percentage is even more i.e. between 40-60%. 88.73% ophthalmologist responded environmental factors such as digital use specially increased usage of computers and mobile are responsible for dry eye. 49.30% patients suffered from aqueous - deficient dry eye (ADDE) and remaining 50.70% evaporative dry eye (EDE). Artificial Tears (AT) is the first line in management of DED said by all ophthalmologist & in certain cases, depending on type, severity, and cause of dry eye other drugs like cyclosporine, corticosteroids, antioxidant supplements and other medications might be used. Viscosity, pH and osmolarity are important for artificial tear said by 77.46% of ophthalmologist & 23% ophthalmologist opine that viscosity is major factor. 50% ophthalmologist believes that carboxymethylcellulose is the most suitable ingredient followed by sodium hyaluronate (29.58%). 61.43% Ophthalmologists replied, AT should provide continues relief from dry eye symptoms. 42.86% said AT should be used for long terms, it should be preservative free replied by 58.57% Ophthalmologists and 40% replied acceptance from patient should be there in terms of cost. Tear substitutes are the most commonly prescribed medications for the management of dry eye disease. Artificial tears are amongst the first-line agents in the management options for the management of dry eye disease, because of their ease for usage, with a better safety and tolerability profile and their availability in various formulations.