Addressing Unmet Needs in Dry Eye Disease: The Role of the Pharmacist in the Treatment, Management, and Prevention (Pharmacist Credit)

Program Description
Dry eye disease (DED) is an inflammatory condition causing irritation of the ocular surface and decreased tear production. Many individuals living with DED have difficulty finding relief as the symptoms of DED impact their daily life. The assessment of patients with signs and symptoms of DED can begin in the pharmacy, and prompt treatment recommendations by the pharmacist can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can help patients navigate available products to provide patients with relief from dry eyes. This article will review the efficacy and safety of recommended therapies for DED, including the differences in nonprescription artificial tears and prescription medications, to equip pharmacists to make clinical recommendations regarding the optimal management of DED. Strategies for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to deliver patient education on adherence and administration of DED therapies will also be included.

Target audience: Pharmacists

Type of activity: Application for pharmacists
Release date: September 29, 2023
Expiration date: September 29, 2024

Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours

Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free

Pharmacist educational objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain the etiology and pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and the health consequences of dry eye disease (DED)

• Identify the currently available prescription and nonprescription medications for treating DED tailored to patient need

• Employ patient-specific strategies for the management of DED based on clinical presentation and shared goals of therapy to improve patient adherence and clinical outcomes

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity numbers 0290-0000-23-381-H01-P and 0290-0000-23-382-H01-T. The activity is available for CE credit through September 29, 2024.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Jason Zupec, PharmD, BCACP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Aleksandra Thomas; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta, and Rebecca Green.

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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