BACKGROUND: Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). This survey of eyecare providers aimed to examine real-world utilization and outcomes of lifitegrast in the treatment of patients with DED.

METHOD: Eyecare providers (ECPs: ophthalmologists and optometrists) treating patients with DED were invited to complete a provider survey. The survey included items regarding practice characteristics, lifitegrast utilization, satisfaction, and adverse events (AEs). Satisfaction with lifitegrast relative to other prescription eye drops was rated on a scale from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). ECPs also provided case study data for up to five patients with DED who initiated lifitegrast treatment.

RESULTS: Twelve ECPs (6 MDs, 6 ODs) responded; they reported on a mean of 1288 (range, 35-6000) patients diagnosed with DED per year, of whom 21%, on average, received lifitegrast treatment. Seven ECPs provided 33 case reports. Overall, ECPs reported that DED severity was mild in 24.1%, moderate in 50.5%, and severe in 19.1% of patients to whom lifitegrast was prescribed. Two-thirds (67%) of ECPs reported near/complete symptom resolution in patients after 1 to 3 months of lifitegrast treatment. Satisfaction ratings (mean [range]) for onset and effectiveness were 6.8 (3-9) and 6.6 (3-9), respectively. Satisfaction ratings for reduction of DED signs were: increased tear film break-up time, 5.8 (3-9); reduced conjunctival/corneal staining, 6.9 (3-9); increased Schirmer test score, 6.0 (3-9); and increased tear meniscus height, 6.0 (3-9). Symptom reduction satisfaction ratings were: itching, 5.3 (1-9); dryness, 6.9 (3-9); burning, 6.3 (1-9); redness, 6.2 (4-9); pain, 6.3 (3-9); light sensitivity, 6.5 (3-9); blurred vision, 6.8 (4-9); and reduced OSDI severity, 7.0 (3-10). Improvement was sustained during treatment up to 12 months, supported by case data (mean [range], 15 [1-69] months). AEs considered by the ECPs as related to lifitegrast use included blurred vision, burning/stinging, and dysgeusia; all AEs were mild or moderate in severity.

CONCLUSION: Findings from this real-world survey of ECPs highlight the rapid and durable response associated with lifitegrast for the treatment of patients with DED. AEs were consistent with the known safety profile of lifitegrast.