Features of the treatment of dry eye disease in patients with intermediate uveitis

Abstract

Introduction. The development of inflammation and violations of the homeostasis of the tear film are of fundamental importance for the occurrence of dry eye disease (DED). In 28–57 % of cases, intermediate uveitis (IU) is accompanied by signs of irritation of the ocular surface and symptoms characteristic of DED. Purpose. Analysis of the effectiveness of complex treatment of DED and IU, including tear replacement and anti-inflammatory therapy in combination with laser retinal coagulation at the extreme periphery of the fundus. Material and methods. The results of treatment of 98 patients were analyzed: the main group – 78 patients – were prescribed complex treatment of DED, the comparison group – 20 patients – only local tear replacement and anti-inflammatory therapy. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed method of treatment of combined pathology was carried out after 3 and 6 months. based on the dynamics of OSDI indices, hyperemia of the bulbar conjunctiva, LIPCOF test and Norn test. Results. The use of complex treatment of DED in patients with IU contributes to a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in signs of discomfort according to the results of OSDI to 34.8 %, a decrease in the bulbar conjunctiva hyperemia index to 51.4 %, a decrease in the LIPCOF test index to 22.2 %, an increase in tear film rupture time to 23.3 % with stable CP relief for 6 months observations. Conclusions. Thus, the results obtained clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of complex treatment of DED in patients with IU. The developed method contributes not only to increasing the stability of the tear film, but also to reducing subjective feelings of discomfort and ensuring relief of inflammation at the extreme periphery, which allows us to recommend its wide application. Keywords: dry eye disease, intermediate uveitis, laser coagulation of the extreme periphery of the retina