PURPOSE: 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.

METHODS: 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. Lifitegrast was commonly prescribed to some patients with contact lens-related DED (91.7% of ECPs) and before or after refractive surgery (83.3% of ECPs) or cataract surgery (83.3% of ECPs). 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. 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.