Video Highlights Chronic Nature of DED

During this video, the leading cataract, refractive and corneal surgeon from City Eye Surgeons provides an informative overview of the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms of DED and severe keratitis due to DED, as well as a summary of patients who are most at risk.

Because DED is an inflammatory disease, if managed inappropriately, or left uncontrolled, it can lead to keratitis, and ultimately, loss of vision in some patients.^1,2 Dr Goh explores the various treatment options and management strategies for DED and severe keratitis due to DED, as well as the associated challenges these diseases present to the eye care professional community in Australia.

Dr Goh, who receives an honorarium for consultancy and/or education work for Seqirus, uses the video to focus on two Seqirus treatments she routinely uses in practice; Cationorm and Ikervis.

Cationorm is a preservative-free, hydrating and lubricating emulsion which protects the ocular surface and reduces discomfort and irritation due to dry eye caused by prolonged use of contact lenses or environmental conditions.³

“Patients who would benefit from Cationorm are those with evaporative dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, and contact lens wearers,” said Dr Goh. She explains the triple action of Cationorm repairs the lipid layer to reduce evaporation, lubricate and stabilise the tear film; restores the moisture balance in the tear film’s muco-aqueous layer; and is positively attracted to the ocular surface, to provide long-lasting protection.^4-7

Ikervis [ciclosporin 0.1% ophthalmic emulsion] on the other hand, is a ciclosporin emulsion for the treatment of severe keratitis in adults with dry eye disease that has not improved with artificial tears.⁸ Listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on Friday, 1 October, 2021,9 she uses the video to explain Ikervis PBS eligibility criteria, and how to contact the PBS for authority approval.

“Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that both the patient and the healthcare practitioner have to manage long-term,” said Dr Goh. “Patients need to be reassured that when clinicians see an improvement in clinical signs, but no corresponding improvement in symptoms, they should persist with treatment, as there is often a lag in patients appreciating symptomatic relief after clinical signs improve.”

She added, “Instituting a treatment that the patient is able to comply with, and maintain in the long run, significantly improves the success of treatment.”

Registered healthcare professionals can watch the video at: ikervis.com.au.

References 

1. Leonardi, A., B. Flamion, and C. Baudouin, Keratitis in Dry Eye Disease and Topical Ciclosporin A. Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, 2017. 25(4): p. 577-586. 
2. Baudouin, C., et al., A randomized study of the efficacy and safety of 0.1% cyclosporine A cationic emulsion in treatment of moderate to severe dry eye. Eur J Ophthalmol, 2017. 27(5): p. 520-530.
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods – Public Summary Seqirus PTY LTD – Lubricant, eye. Available from: www.ebs.tga.gov.au/servlet/ xmlmillr6?dbid=ebs/PublicHTML/pdfStore.nsf&docid=40694 5E40B6D2CA4CA25843C0042145B&agid=(PrintDetailsPublic )&actionid=1. 
4. Lallemand, F., et al., Successfully improving ocular drug delivery using the cationic nanoemulsion, novasorb. J Drug Deliv, 2012. 2012: p. 604204. 
5. Daull, P., F. Lallemand, and J.S. Garrigue, Benefits of cetalkonium chloride cationic oil-in-water nanoemulsions for topical ophthalmic drug delivery. J Pharm Pharmacol, 2014. 66(4): p. 531-41. 
6. Amrane, M., et al., Ocular tolerability and efficacy of a cationic emulsion in patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease – a randomised comparative study. J Fr Ophtalmol, 2014. 37(8): p. 589-98. 
7. Robert, P.Y., et al., Efficacy and safety of a cationic emulsion in the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye disease: a randomized controlled study. Eur J Ophthalmol, 2016. 26(6): p. 546-555.
8. Ikervis Approved Product Information. Available from. 
9. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Medicine Status – Ciclosporin. 2021 [September 2021]; Available from: www.pbs. gov.au/medicinestatus/document/498.html.