Developing a Novel Treatment for Dry Eye

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a common and chronic disease of the surface of the eye. Symptoms of DED include burning, irritation, pain, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light. The disease limits patients’ vision and reduces their quality of life. Clinical signs of the disease include diminished visual acuity, conjunctival redness, decreased tear film, and corneal surface breakdown.

To learn more about dry eye disease, see the following resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371869
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye

DED is the most commonly reported reason for seeking medical care of the eye, and thus DED has a significant impact on both direct and indirect healthcare costs. DED results in reduced productivity at work; patients with severe DED report using half their annual sick leave due to dry eye. In the United States, the average annual cost of dry eye management is estimated to be $11,300 per sufferer and $55 billion overall.

At least 10% of the population in the US – more than 30 million people – is afflicted with DED. Ophthalmic surgical procedures (including cataract and refractive procedures) and contact lens-induced dry eye conditions both represent large and additional market segments, adding another 14 million patients that require treatment. When patients in Europe and China are added, the total population adds up to about 50 million people requiring treatment for dry eye.

Visant Medical complies with Federal Transparency in Coverage regulations by providing this link https://www.anthem.com/ca/machine-readable-file/search  to machine readable files related to the health plans offered to our employees. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data including negotiated service rates, and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers.