The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) released its newest issue of Contact Lens Update, which focuses on the third Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Dry Eye Workshop report, or TFOS DEWS III. The publication provides expert summaries, editorial insights, and downloadable clinical resources designed to help eye care professionals incorporate the report’s latest findings into their clinical care plans.
“Dry eye disease (DED) remains a widespread problem that continues to affect millions worldwide,” said Lyndon Jones, PhD, DSc, FCOptom, principal scientist at CORE and TFOS Board member. “Since TFOS DEWS II was released in 2017, more than 8,000 peer-reviewed papers have emerged. Contact Lens Update aims to distill that expanding literature into actionable highlights for busy clinicians.”
Clinical Highlights From the Report
Jennifer Craig, PhD, FCOptom, professor at the University of Auckland and TFOS Board director, authored the issue’s editorial overview. She summarized the three main TFOS DEWS III sub-reports (sex, gender, and hormones; tear film pathophysiology; and diagnosis and treatment) while offering recommendations for applying this knowledge in everyday practice.
The feature article by Heiko Pult, PhD, an optometrist and researcher in Germany and honorary professor at Cardiff University and Aston University in the UK, consolidated the Diagnostic Methodology section of TFOS DEWS III. He outlined approaches for screening, subclassification, and subtype diagnosis of DED based on the updated evidence provided in TFOS DEWS III.
In addition, Eric Lortie-Milner, OD, an optometrist and lecturer at the University of Montreal, and PhD candidate at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, reported preliminary findings from a study exploring cyclosporin and intense pulsed light treatment in symptomatic contact lens wearers. After eight weeks, the pilot results described how cyclosporin treatment impacted signs and symptoms of dry eye.
Practical Tools for ECPs
This issue of Contact Lens Update also includes downloadable PDF handouts summarizing TFOS DEWS III. “Digest Summary,” “Diagnostic Methodology Summary,” and “Management and Therapy Summary” report provide a concise and comprehensive overview to aid in DED diagnosis and management. Supported by educational grants from Alcon, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision, Contact Lens Update continues to expand its library of professional resources, including technical training videos, visuals, and patient education resources.