Subject: : A cross-sectional, observational survey study to understand the role of Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) eye drops in management of dry eye disease.
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a disorder of the preocular tear film that results in damage to the ocular surface and is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort. DES is also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), keratitis sicca, sicca syndrome, xerophthalmia, dry eye disease (DED), ocular surface disease (OSD), or dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS), or simply dry eyes. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a Latin word and its literal translation is “dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva.” It may be helpful to know that “sicca” is part of the English word “desiccate.” The dry eye syndrome in which the eyes do not produce enough tears is also known as “Sjogren’s syndrome”.
Dry eye disease is characterized by instability of the tear film that can be due to insufficient amount of tear production or due to poor quality of tear film, which results in increased evaporation of the tears. Dry eye therefore can mainly be divided into two groups, namely,
(1) aqueous production deficient dry eye disease;
(2) evaporative dry eye disease
A key principle for the management of dry eye disease is augmentation of the tear film through the topical administration of artificial tear substitutes. These products enhance tear stability thus reducing loss by evaporation; this, in turn, helps to retain moisture in the eye and relieve the chronic ocular inflammation associated with dry eyes. Artificial tear substitutes help to reduce patient discomfort, improve quality of life and reduce the risk of damage to the corneal epithelium.
Artificial tear drops are most commonly associated with the management of dry eye disease (DED). Artificial tears are typically included in first-line management options for dry eye, as they are easy to use, accessible in a wide range of formulations, and have a low risk-profile.
HPMC has been used for many years in artificial lubricants and remains one of the most common ingredients. It is available in a wide variety of concentrations (from 0.2 to 0.8%) and is used in combination with many other components in modern ocular lubricants.6 Due to its wide availability and use over many years, multiple studies have explored its potential to manage patients with DED.6 A review of its performance shows that it is a safe and effective lubricant for those with low-to-moderate symptoms of DED.
There is limited Indian evidence on the role of HPMC eyedrops in management of dry eye disease, hence this observational survey study aims to understand the role of HPMC in management of dry eye disease.
We invite you to participate in this survey. All you need to do is to report on a standard form your experience with HPMC eyedrops in management of dry eye disease, in the normal course of your practice. If you agree to participate, you will need to fill a survey questionnaire.
We trust you and we are partners in promoting safe and effective drug therapy. In that spirit we hope you will consent to participate in this study. If you do, please sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.
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