EyeWorld India March 2017 Issue

62 EWAP PHARMACEUTICALS March 2017 Massachusetts) that is a novel, mucin-enhancing small molecule. “It is a dimeric polypeptide in the neurotrophin family that is critical for survival and differentiation of neurons and has multiple effects in ocular tissue,” he said. “This medication may stimulate mucin production from conjunctival cells, increase tear mucin levels, and stimulate corneal epithelial healing. These effects may lead to a significant reduction of ocular surface damage in dry eye patients.” There’s also a unique smaller tear by Novaliq (Heidelberg, Germany) that coats the eye and stays on the surface longer. “A clinical trial adding cyclosporine to that tear is ongoing,” Dr. Holland said. “It may increase the efficacy of cyclosporine based on the new tear formation.” Another dry eye therapy that Dr. Holland is excited about is TruTear (Allergan). “This is a nasal neurostimulation device. This treatment targets the nasolacrimal reflex by stimulating an ophthalmic branch of afferent trigeminal nerve fibers in the nasal cavity, which results in upregulation of parasympathetic activity in the superior salivatory nucleus of the brain. The treatment stimulates the lacrimal glands to increase tear production. TruTear may be beneficial for all types of dry eye,” he said. EWAP References 1. Epitropoulos AT, et al. Effect of tear osmolarity on repeatability of keratometry for cataract surgery planning. J Cataract Refract Surg . 2015;41:1672–7. 2. Holland EJ, et al. Lifitegrast for the treatment of dry eye disease: Results of a phase III, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial (OPUS-3). Ophthalmol . Article in press. Facing - from page 61 3. Epitropoulos AT, et al, Effect of oral re-esterified omega-3 nutritional supplementation on dry eyes. Cornea . 2016;35:1185–91. Editors’ note: Dr. Epitropoulos has financial interests with Allergan, Abbott Medical Optics (Abbott Park, Illinois), Bausch + Lomb (Bridgewater, New Jersey), Bio-Tissue, BlephEx, Imprimis Pharmaceuticals (San Diego), Omeros (Seattle), PRN (Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania), Rapid Pathogen Screening, Shire, Sun Pharmaceutical (Mumbai, India), TearLab, and TearScience. Dr. Holland has financial interests with Alcon (Fort Worth, Texas), Allergan, Bausch + Lomb, Shire, TearScience, TearLab, and Novaliq. Contact information Epitropoulos : aepitrop@columbus.rr.com Holland : eholland@holprovision.com