Unmet Needs in Dry Eye Disease

In this segment, the expert panel turns its attention to unmet needs in dry eye disease and the future direction of therapy. The faculty note that rapid-onset treatments, such as those providing relief within minutes, are especially valuable for both surgical and non-surgical patients who increasingly expect immediate improvement—an important driver of adherence. Looking forward, the panelists highlight emerging areas that may transform care, including regenerative and reparative surface therapies currently in development. They also underscore the growing role of artificial intelligence, describing how AI-driven tools can synthesize home-based assessments with in-clinic metrics to uncover overlooked contributors to disease and guide more precise management. The faculty emphasize that foundational care—nutraceuticals, lid hygiene, warm compresses, and lifestyle modification—remains essential, forming the base upon which advanced treatments can succeed. They also discuss practical strategies such as in-shower lid cleansing to reduce biofilm burden. Overall, the panel envisions a future of increasingly personalized, technology-supported, and regenerative approaches to chronic dry eye management.