On February 11, 2024, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) issued new guidelines regarding dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. According to the National Eye Institute, dry eye affects approximately 16 million Americans. Dry eye is a multifactorial disease with causes including excessive screen time and refractive surgery. While it may seem that dry eye is a nuisance disease, it can actually damage the cornea if not treated appropriately.
The guidelines state that dry eye can affect the quality of life as well as the outcomes of ocular surgeries such as cataract surgery. It is imperative that we discuss this potential complication before our patients undergo these procedures. As primary care physicians, we have seen that patients may not be well educated on their health conditions by other doctors. We may not be the one performing the surgery but it is likely the patient will seek our advice if any complication arises.
The guidelines say that clinical examination is the gold standard for diagnosing this disease. We need to be proficient at doing eye exams and refer to a specialist when appropriate. The treatment can likely be undertaken in the primary care office unless there are other symptoms such as loss of visual acuity. The guidelines suggest several diagnostic tests, such as the Schirmer test and tear osmolarity test, which may be outside the scope of the primary care setting. Often, clinical history will guide the diagnosis.
Treatments include several Food and Drug Administration–approved eye drops. We need to know what they are and when to prescribe them. We know they will not cure the disease but can keep it under control and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Dry eye may seem a trivial complaint in the sea of diseases we treat on a daily basis. However, it is not trivial to the patient. It can affect their vision and make their life miserable. We need to pay attention when our patients bring this to our attention. We are not just making them comfortable but protecting their corneas. This can be done in conjunction with routine ophthalmologic visits.
According to the authors of these guidelines, approximately 10% of patients with significantly dry eyes and mouth will have Sjögren’s syndrome. Autoimmune testing should be undertaken in these patients.
These guidelines also suggest a classification for dry eye including mild, moderate, and severe. Since the treatment varies depending on classification, we need to learn this classification system. They also stress follow-up visits. It is not enough just to diagnose the disease and start treatment, we need to see the patients back for follow-up.
Currently, most people work and play on electronic devices. Dry eye syndrome can make this more difficult and vice versa. While it is typically not a vision-threatening disease, it can be a life-altering one. Ocular symptoms are something we see frequently in our practices, from allergic conjunctivitis to glaucoma. Often, the patient starts seeking help in our office.
Yes, our patients may have more life-threatening diseases. Our job is not just to save lives but to help our patients live healthy lives. If their lives are being affected by any disease, we must step in and do something. Dry eye is not just an inconvenience but something that causes great suffering. Eventually we may end up referring the patient to the ophthalmologist, but if we can do something to ease their discomfort while they are waiting, we would be changing their lives. We must educate ourselves on this disease and appropriate treatments to be prescribed depending on the classification of disease.
Dr. Girgis practices family medicine in South River, N.J., and is a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ. She has no conflicts of interest.