Purpose:This review article examines the prevalence, etiology, and current therapies of dry eye disease, with special focus on postmenopausal women.Method:A systematic literature search utilizing MEDLINE was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles related to dry eye published prior to September 2008. The terms “dry eye” and “women” were searched in combination with one or more of the following words or phrases: prevalence, postmenopausal, etiology, risk factors, therapy, medications, surgery, tear film, and quality of life. Articles were selected based on their direct applicability to the subject matter. A manual search was also conducted based on citations in the published literature.Results:Epidemiologic studies identified prevalence rates ranging from 7% in the United States to 33% in Taiwan and Japan. Risk factors include advanced age, female sex, smoking, extreme heat or cold weather conditions, low relative humidity, use of video display terminals, refractive surgery, contact lens wear, and certain medications.Conclusion:The last decade has brought about a better understanding of the etiology of dry eye disease. New therapies that can alleviate the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease and, consequently, improve the quality of life of dry eye patients are available in the market.

Nepafenac showed significantly greater ocular bioavailability and amfenac demonstrated greater potency at COX-2 inhibition than ketorolac or bromfenac.

Piggyback PC IOLs were explanted in 2 cases because of a newly described complication, interlenticular opacification. Three surgical means may help prevent this complication: meticulous cortical cleanup, especially in the equatorial region; creation of a relatively large continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis to sequester retained cells peripheral to the IOL optic within the equatorial fornix; insertion of the posterior IOL in the capsular bag and the anterior IOL in the ciliary sulcus to isolate retained cells from the interlenticular space.

Endoscopic laser cycloablation performed through a cataract incision was a reasonably safe and effective alternative to combined cataract and trabeculectomy surgery, providing an option for cataract patients who have glaucoma requiring surgical intervention.

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A 31-year-old male with bilateral microphthalmos and a history of severe refractive amblyopia presented with early nuclear sclerosis. Intraocular lens calculations determined the patient would need about a 46.0 diopter power intraocular lens in both eyes to achieve satisfactory vision postoperatively. When no manufacturer could or was willing to make such a high-power lens, we chose to implant two lenses in each eye. The patient is satisfied with his postoperative vision and overall outcome.

Dr. Schaaf is an employee and holds an equity interest in Omeros Corporation. Drs. Hovanesian, Sheppard, Trattler, Gayton, and Ng are consultants to Omeros Corporation. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

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