MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: Dry eye disease is a common age-related concern in the ophthalmology and optometry fields. Dry eye disease, characterized by insufficient tear production, particularly targets older adults, who may suffer from discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. Depending on the severity of the patient’s dry eyes, recommended treatments may vary from over-the-counter to doctor prescribed medications. Recent studies have suggested, however, that some over-the-counter remedies, such as Visine®, can’t reliably treat chronic dry eye. Although these over-the-counter treatments are used to relieve burning, irritation, and discomfort caused by dry eyes, they will not treat or prevent an eye infection. While completing their clinical rotations, optometry students may be tasked to weigh the effectiveness of emerging and existing dry eye treatments. This seminar paper, therefore, analyzes all possible treatment methods for relieving patient dry eye symptoms and helps future optometrists determine which treatments they should recommend to their patients. This seminar paper is divided into three sections: lit review, discussion section for extended patient analysis, and sample hand-out patient guide. By addressing the differential diagnoses for patient dry eye symptoms, both internal and external to the eye, this paper helps optometry students select the best routine to fit patient needs. Furthermore, after reading this seminar paper, optometry students will be more familiar with dry eye disease, understanding what dry eye disease is, what methods are used to diagnose dry eye disease, and what the best treatments are for relieving dry eye disease symptoms.

WC: 249

Reader’s Profile: This paper won’t have an issue maintaining the primary reader’s interest because optometry students will need to understand this information for their future careers. Concerning patients reading the sample hand-out patient guide, however, I imagine a reader skeptical towards using doctor prescribed medications. I imagine some patients might prefer natural dry eye remedies and prioritize their use over modern day medicine.

Reader’s Response: Patient reading sample hand-out patient guide: Hmm. I don’t understand why I would want to purchase expensive eye drops or surgical treatments for treating dry eyes when I have a lot of natural remedies to choose from. These remedies will work just as well as over-the-counter eye drops and doctor prescribed medications, saving me money in the process. In fact, I’m sure if I just drink some chamomile tea, my eyes will clear up in no time.

Good characterization of the resistant patient. What are these remedies? Sterile water drops? Clary sage drops? Eye bright homeopathy drops?

And, what are the numbers and ages of patients? Be sure to include that in the first part of your paper.

Do not forget the AND/BUT/THEREFORE email to me.