Eyeworld

51 EW FEATURE February 2016 • Ocular surface disease early as 2 weeks," Dr. Hovanesian said. This was a large, well-done study to determine if this drug works, and it has convincing data to show it does, he said. Similarly, Dr. Yeu said that she's hoping for lifitegrast to be ap- proved sometime in 2016. The large amounts of data and large sample size have been tremendous, she said. Prior to cataract surgery While a number of factors in the treatment of dry eye disease remain challenging for physicians, there are some things they can actively influ- ence. Addressing the ocular surface and ensuring that this will not cause a problem for patients prior to cata- ract surgery is key, especially when the patient has signs or symptoms of dry eye. "It's very important to address the question of the ocular surface prior to doing biometry for cataract surgery," Dr. Hovanesian said. It's OK to perform surgery on an eye that's a bit decompensated for dry eye, but you don't want to do measurements on this type of eye because the measurements may not be entirely trustworthy, he said. The standard treatment for these patients could include lubri- cant drops, warm compresses, and eyelid hygiene. Dr. Hovanesian has begun to routinely use a steroid drop for dry eyes for about a week prior to the biometry, noting that he's very choosy about what he picks. Lotemax gel (loteprednol, Bausch + Lomb, Bridgewater, N.J.) is ideally suited, he said, because it's safe and has a low likelihood of causing pres- sure spikes. "Nothing cleans up the ocular surface faster than a steroid," he said. Corneal staining and a rapid tear break-up time are common findings in patients with dry eye disease, Dr. Trattler said. More than 75% of patients seen in consultation for cataract surgery have dry eye disease, he said. Dr. Trattler uses a number of dif- ferent methods to optimize the ocu- lar surface prior to surgery, including steroids, Restasis, and punctal plugs. Some patients may require multiple visits to get their dry eye disease un- der control in order to get accurate readings to plan for cataract surgery, he said. EW Editors' note: Dr. Yeu has financial interests with Allergan, Shire, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals (Laval, Canada). Dr. Trattler has financial interests with Alcon (Fort Worth, Texas), Allergan, Shire, TearScience (Morrisville, N.C.), and Bausch + Lomb. Dr. Hovanesian has financial interests with Allergan, Bausch + Lomb, and Shire. Contact information Hovanesian: jhovanesian@harvardeye.com Trattler: wtrattler@gmail.com Yeu: eyeu@vec2020.com Call (844) 820-8940 or email customerser vice@oasismedical.com to bring Oasis REST & RELIEF Eye Masks to your practice. Global (909) 305-5400 www.oasismedical.com • Dry Eye Symptoms • Headache • Sinus Pressure • Tension • Swelling Introducing a hot or cold therapy eye mask to soothe and bring relief from: OASIS name and logos are registered trademarks of OASIS Medical, Inc. 514 S. Vermont Ave, Glendora, CA 91741. LIT-ORR-S REV0 1/2015 OASIS ® Eye Care Solutions Can Make a Difference. Elastic strap for a comfortable fit Durable temperature-retaining silica beads for hot or cold therapy Adjustable closure for compression Soft, washable, and reusable with contouring-fit for full contact and comfort

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