What's new in dry eye research today? | Sep 17, 2026

【Title】Alcohol-Triggered Periocular Flushing Associated With Tacrolimus 0.1% Ophthalmic Solution in Sjögren-Related Ocular Surface Disease

【Journal】Cornea

【Authors】Andrea Salerno; Marco Coassin; Antonio Di Zazzo

【Summary】This case report describes alcohol-triggered periocular flushing in a 46-year-old woman with severe Sjögren-related dry eye disease treated with tacrolimus 0.1% ophthalmic solution twice daily. Four weeks after treatment initiation, she developed recurrent, sharply demarcated periocular erythema and burning within minutes of consuming small amounts of beer or wine. The episodes were reproducible, localized to the periocular area, resolved spontaneously within approximately 1 hour, and did not involve systemic symptoms. Avoiding alcohol prevented recurrence while tacrolimus treatment continued. The report suggests that alcohol-triggered flushing may also occur with ophthalmic tacrolimus and should be recognized as a self-limited adverse reaction.

【Title】Can we treat dry eyes without destroying our planet? a critical analysis of environmental sustainability in dry eye disease management

【Journal】Cont Lens Anterior Eye

【Authors】Pelin Kiyat; Melis Palamar

【Summary】This review critically examines the environmental impact of dry eye disease (DED) management and potential strategies for more sustainable ophthalmic care. Single-dose delivery systems generate substantially more plastic waste than multi-dose alternatives, with annual patient waste reported at 0.64 kg versus 0.13 kg, while serum therapies may generate up to 3 kg of waste per patient annually. Patient transportation, frequent clinical visits, and energy-intensive cold-chain storage for specialized treatments further contribute to the environmental footprint. The review proposes preservative-free multi-dose packaging, biodegradable materials, telemedicine-supported follow-up, optimized cold-chain management, and improved recycling as potential approaches to reduce environmental impact while maintaining clinical efficacy. It also emphasizes risk-stratified implementation and the need for further life-cycle and health-economic assessments.