OT  focuses on… dry eye

Education initiatives

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have launched a year-long global dry eye disease education initiative, designed to increase optometrist understanding of prevalence, diagnoses and practical management of the condition.

In November, a website was launched for the evidence-based education initiative, featuring resources and tools around dry eye disease.

The website will host on-demand webinar recordings following a series of live events that began on 8 November with ‘Dry Eye Mitigation’ led by Professor Jennifer Craig, and will include further events planned for January on ‘Dry Eye Measurement,’ and March, covering ‘Dry Eye Management.’

A wrap-up event in May will introduce a new ‘Dry Eye Wheel’ tool. Registration for the live events will also take place through the website.

A ‘meet the faculty’ section of the website will introduce practitioners to figures leading the education programme, while a blog will present insight from optometrists and eye care professionals in support of the webinar content.

Biodegradable wipes

Scope Eyecare launched the Optase Belphawipe in November, designed to “clean, soothe and refresh” sensitive eyes.

The wipes contain tea tree oil, which the company highlighted is recommended in DEWSII as having anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. The wipes also feature aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and chamomile.

The preservative-free wipes include a textured edge to help remove unwanted debris and dirt from the eyelid and eyelashes.

The wipes are also biodegradable, presenting a more sustainable option for patients.

Eye care for kids

The Body Doctor has launched a new junior range of eye care products designed to suit the smaller facial features of children.

Available in a Healthy Eyes Kit or individually, the products include The Eye Doctor Warm Eye Compress, featuring the company’s patented antibacterial Sterileyes, and The Eye Doctor Junior Biodegradable Eyelid Wipes.

Both products are aimed at children aged between three and 12 and are suitable for dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis and styes. The wipes are also designed to help keep children’s eyelids and lashes clean.

The Junior range has been designed as a treatment for unwelcome symptoms, or a preventative measure, with the company encouraging parents to support children to look after their eyes and build positive habits for their future eye health, “just like they look after their teeth.”

Practice tools

Essilor Instruments added to its range of dry eye equipment in 2022 with the launch of the Activa Home Eye Mask by SBM Sistemi and two digital slit lamp adapters.

The eye mask provides an automated procedure for heating and massaging the eye lids, generating a heat of approximately 42 degrees for 15 minutes and applying a micro-vibration-based massage. The mask can be used as an in-practice treatment or rented to patients.

Essilor also introduced the DSLC200 and DEM100 digital slit lamp adapters. Essilor instruments director, Paul Cumber explained that, in combination, this technology enables practitioners to “conduct a comprehensive dry eye work up within their normal examination environment,” without taking up any more space.

The DEM100 takes a tear film automated digital analysis with multiple tests, while the DSLC200 slit lamp imaging system provides high quality images and videos of the eye.

Commenting on how the Activa Eye Mask has been received since launching, Cumber said: “Early adopting practices have been excited by the ease of use and simplicity in helping to unblock meibomian glands for their patients.”

"Interest in the Activa Eye Mask is growing rapidly as patients report the beneficial effects from using the eye mask,” Cumber added.