The Future of OSD?

Ocular surface disease (OSD) is more widespread than many clinicians once thought. Recent studies have shown that the majority of patients presenting for cataract surgery have ocular signs of dry eye or Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), regardless of whether they report symptoms (1, 2). My colleagues and I have demonstrated that signs of MGD, once thought to be a condition limited to postmenopausal women, are common even in children (3).

Although we are fortunate to have a wide array of treatments for OSD, including artificial lubricants, topical anti-inflammatory drops, thermal pulsation, and punctal occlusion, many patients get insufficient relief from these approaches. There are a number of new and pipeline treatments designed to address the gaps in treatment.