Did you know one in four ophthalmology patients report symptoms of dry eye disease, and one in 10 Australians are affected by this debilitating condition?
Dry eye disease is a chronic eye condition characterised by insufficient or poor-quality tears, resulting in significant discomfort, pain, and inconvenience for those affected. Representing one of the most common reasons for people seeking medical eye care, dry eye disease can substantially compromise a person’s quality of life and work-related productivity.
Anyone can get dry eye disease – but contact lens wearing, prolonged mask use, underlying medical issues, and exposure to certain environmental factors such as air conditioning, can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Concerningly, dry eye disease is becoming increasingly common, even in those without a history of eye conditions. This may be attributed to heightened levels of digital screen use for work, educational, and social activities, impacting blinking patterns, tear quality, and volume. Australians currently spend a total of 143 days (almost five months) in front of a screen each year.
In good news for the dry eye disease community, CEQUA® (ciclosporin 900 microgram/mL), a ciclosporin eye drop designed to increase tear production where artificial tears have not been sufficient, has this month been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for chronic severe dry eye disease with keratitis.
According to leading Ophthalmic Surgeon, Dr Alison Chiu, Envision Eye Centre and Greater Western Sydney Eye Surgeons, Sydney, ciclosporin is recommended as one component of advanced treatment regimens for dry eye disease – which is historically challenging to manage.
“As clinicians, we welcome the availability of another treatment on the PBS, to help address the current unmet need for this patient population living with chronic severe dry eye disease.”
School teacher and keen horse rider, Meg, 28, Melbourne, was diagnosed with dry eye disease after years of experiencing watering, inflamed, and sore eyes.
Nowadays, she is an advocate for other young Australians living with dry eye disease and feels that the reimbursement of a new treatment on the PBS is a positive development for others living with the condition.
“Treatment for dry eye disease is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’. It’s crucial that patients have access to a variety of options available on the PBS, as different treatments will work for different people,” Meg said.
Kay, 59, South-West Victoria, is a social worker and mother who described living with dry eye disease as ‘socially limiting’ and ‘inconvenient’.
Kay was diagnosed with dry eye disease after living with symptoms for two years.
She believes it is essential for Australians living with the condition to have access to a range of affordable and effective treatment options.
“The reimbursement of a new treatment is great for patients like me, as it helps ease the financial impact of this disease,” Kay said.
From Thursday, June 1, 2023, CEQUA® is now reimbursed on the PBS for chronic severe dry eye disease with keratitis.
The listing of this novel eye drop formulation on the PBS is a welcome development, expanding the availability of innovative treatment offerings for those living with dry eye disease.