Sight Sciences releases cost-utility analysis comparing TearCare and cyclosporine 0.05% in dry eye

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Sight Sciences released the results from a cost-utility analysis (CUA) assessing the cost-effectiveness of the TearCare System compared to cyclosporine 0.05% (CsA) for the treatment of moderate to severe meibomian gland disease (MGD) associated dry eye disease (DED).

TearCare works by applying localized heat therapy through a “flexible, gentle design” that allows patients to blink naturally. It features Thermal-Activated Restorative Gland Expression Therapy (TARGET) technology that treats the root cause of dry eye by restoring the natural function of the meibomian glands.

According to the analysis, TearCare is associated with greater health utility over time but also resulted in significant cost savings compared to CsA. The analysis was conducted from a US healthcare payer perspective using a 1-year time horizon.

TearCare System (Photo courtesy Sight Sciences)

Results revealed that TearCare resulted in lower per-patient annual costs of $4,916 and higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of 0.76, compared to CsA annual costs of $5,819 and 0.74 QALYs.

Nathan Lighthizer, OD, FAAO, lead investigator of the study and professor and dean for the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry, commented in a press release, saying, “TearCare not only improves patient outcomes but also represents a more economically sustainable approach to managing MGD-associated dry eye disease. The demonstrated cost savings of over $900 per patient per year are significant in our current healthcare environment."

Results showed that assuming 2 procedures were conducted over a 1-year time horizon, TearCare demonstrated a cost-saving advantage over CsA, reducing per-patient costs by $903 annually. Additionally, patients receiving TearCare experienced an incremental QALY gain of 0.014 when compared to those on CsA.

References:

1. Sight Sciences Announces the Results of a Cost-Utility Analysis Demonstrating Cost Savings and Greater Health Utility with the TearCare System Compared to Cyclosporine 0.05% for Treating Meibomian Gland Disease-Associated Dry Eye Disease. Published July 30, 2025. Accessed August 4, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/30/3123898/0/en/Sight-Sciences-Announces-the-Results-of-a-Cost-Utility-Analysis-Demonstrating-Cost-Savings-and-Greater-Health-Utility-with-the-TearCare-System-Compared-to-Cyclosporine-0-05-for-Tre.html

2. Sight Sciences TearCare. Accessed August 4, 2025. https://www.sightsciences.com/us/tearcare/