DRy eye Outcome and Prescription Study (DROPS) Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prescription patterns and the effectiveness of artificial tears for dry eye disease in the real world.
IRAS ID
233506
Contact name
Christopher Hammond
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King’s College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Dry eye disease is a disorder of the surface of the eye and causes light sensitivity, grittiness, pain and blurred vision. These symptoms interfere highly with quality of life. Dry eye affects around 20% of people and is more prevalent in women and older age. In the majority of cases no cure is available and the cornerstone of treatment is symptom control with artificial tears.
With this study we want to investigate determinants of the effectiveness of artificial tears in patients with dry eye disease and to investigate underlying factors for consultants' selection of different artificial tears. There are few well-designed studies examining the effectiveness of different artificial tears and none have investigated effectiveness in the 'real world', which is surprising given this problem makes up 30% of ophthalmology consultations.
We will enrol patients with dry eye symptoms and ask them to complete a short questionnaire about their symptoms prior to starting treatment with one or more artificial tears. We also ask about determinants that might affect the effectiveness, such as coexistence of other diseases. 4 weeks later we will also ask them to complete a follow-up questionnaire about their symptoms and compliance to therapy so we can assess effectiveness.
We will conduct this study with the help of collaborators (ophthalmology registrars and fellows) based in London, extending beyond London if necessary. Doctors helping us with the study work at a variety of different hospital Eye departments over north and south London. This is part of the London Ophthalmology trainee Clinical Trials Network, set up in 2015 to promote collaborative working between ophthalmologists to design and deliver high quality studies.
In tandem, we will do a qualitative study interviewing 10 London-based ophthalmology consultants about their prescribing practice for artificial tears.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0349
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion