Matching artificial tears to dry eye phenotype: a Q&A with Omur Ucakhan, MD

Artificial tears remain the first-line therapy for dry eye disease (DED), yet today’s multi-component formulations differ widely in composition, mechanism of action and preservative content. A recent review in Expert Review of Ophthalmology examined the structure and function of the tear film, mapped the current landscape of over-the-counter artificial tear formulations and offered guidance on aligning product selection with each patient’s underlying dry eye biology. The authors also called for well-designed, long-term studies comparing the safety, efficacy and quality-of-life profiles of different formulations, including preservative-containing and preservative-free options.¹