The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society is hoping its long awaited DEWS II report will create an evidence-based classification system and definition for dry eye that will help guide clinical management and future research.
The objectives of TFOS DEWS II, as explained by Workshop Chair Dr. J. Daniel Nelson, were to update the definition, classification and diagnosis of dry eye, critically evaluate the epidemiology, pathophysiology, mechanism, and impact of this disorder, address its management and therapy, and develop recommendations for the design of clinical trials to assess pharmaceutical interventions for dry eye treatment.
Workshop Vice-Chair, Dr. Jennifer Craig said, “Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterised by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiological roles”.
According to Dr. David A. Sullivan, Workshop Organiser, 150 clinical and basic research experts from around the world worked for over two years to create TFOS DEWS II, “using an evidence-based approach and a process of open communication, dialogue and transparency to increase our understanding of dry eye disease”.
From July, the TFOS DEWS II report can be accessed on the TFOS website: www. TearFilm.org, with translations in languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
