What's new in dry eye research today? | Sep 30, 2026

【Title】Attitude, perception and practice towards traditional Chinese medicine among Chinese ophthalmic patients: A cross-sectional study

【Journal】J Integr Med

【Authors】Sha Li; Ying Wang; Ming Zhong; Wei-Feng Sun; et al.

【Summary】This cross-sectional study investigated attitudes, perceptions, and practices toward traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among 1,000 ophthalmic patients in Shanghai. Participants completed a questionnaire between July 1 and July 15, 2025, and were grouped according to previous TCM treatment experience. Older age, higher educational attainment, planned eye surgery, and a diagnosis of dry eye disease were associated with greater likelihood of previous TCM use; patients with DED had higher odds of TCM treatment experience (OR 1.719, 95% CI 1.276–2.315). Patient-rated effects of TCM also differed significantly between groups. The authors concluded that TCM health literacy and awareness among ophthalmic patients could be further improved.

【Link】https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.06.002

【Title】Management of Neuropathic Ocular Pain Associated with Dry Eye Disease in a 5-Year Prospective Cohort

【Journal】J Ocul Pharmacol Ther

【Authors】Alice Theuriau; Catherine Wiart; Marc Labetoulle; Hélène Rouger; Mohamed-Ali Sassi; Isabelle Cochereau; Eric Gabison; Serge Doan

【Summary】This prospective cohort study evaluated the long-term management and 5-year evolution of neuropathic ocular pain (NOP) associated with chronic dry eye disease in 14 patients. Over 5 years, neuropathic pain scores, Brief Pain Inventory scores, and DEQ-5 scores significantly improved, while most clinical ocular parameters remained unchanged; inflammation scores on in vivo confocal microscopy decreased significantly. All patients received topical ophthalmic treatment, 78.6% received systemic neuropathic pain medications, and 64.3% received psychological care. Artificial tears, cyclosporine eye drops, scleral lenses, oral therapies, and autologous serum eye drops were reported as the most effective treatments. The findings support personalized, multidisciplinary long-term management, although controlled studies are needed.