The majority of diagnosed DED patients fail to get a satisfactory response with current treatments. Over 60% of patients using currently approved drug therapies in the U.S. discontinue their treatment within 12 months of initiation. In particular, local intolerabilities and lack of efficacy are considered to be key reasons for the high discontinuation rates.
In addition to dryness-related symptoms, impairment of visual function plays a significant role in the reduction of work productivity and patients’ health-related quality of life. Ocular surface damage leads to on visual symptoms that affect functions such as reading, looking at screen displays, driving and night vision.