New treatments for dry eye
A true plague for nearly 10% of the population (and more than 30% of people over 50), the lack of tears has often been the subject of our blog . Beyond the recommendations to be made to limit the affliction, we note that the technological progress and the therapeutic evolutions make it possible to better diagnose and to better treat the dry eye .
Facilitating diagnosis to better treat dry eye
This may sound obvious, but the ease and accuracy with which a diagnosis is made may affect the treatment that will follow . The Quantel Medical laboratory relied on this to create an eye-surface analyzer called Lacrydiag . Easy to use, compact and ergonomic, this small object in the form of hair dryer allows to perform four exams in four minutes:
- Interferometry (analysis and interpretation of the lipid layer).
- Lachrymal meniscus (quantitative analysis of the aqueous layer).
- Non Invasive Break Up Time (Tear Film Stability Assessment).
- Meibography of the eyelids.
The device then sends a complete report available in a few clicks and illustrated with patient images.
New treatments for dry eye: more classic or downright innovative!
The best-known and most traditional treatment is the application of ophthalmic drops to the eyes several times a day. If this can be restrictive, new drops will come on the market, and would be so effective that the symptoms of dry eye could lessen from two weeks after the start of treatment .
[= ]
This is the case of Xiidra , a drug produced by the Shire group, that would prevent the interaction of two types of proteins that could trigger inflammation. After having undergone five clinical trials involving 2,500 patients , it could replace or supplement Ciclosporin, the only real option for treating dry eyes, and ineffective for some patients.
In the innovation arena, a new machine, the Eye Light , has emerged, combining a technology already in use called Intense Pulse Light (IPL) with a new laser technology called Low Level Light Therapy.
The advantages of the latter are numerous since it consists of only four treatments depending on the severity of the cases.
As a bonus, it does not require use of anesthetic or protective gel through the application of masks and is applicable to both eyelids, unlike the IPL.
