A Year of First Endeavors

An introduction to the October 2025 Dry Eye Disease issue by Jane T. Shuman, Editor in Chief.

Category	Detail
Condition	Dry Eye Disease and related ocular surface diseases
Key Mechanisms	Ocular surface disease detection and management; impact of patient non-compliance on treatment efficacy
Target Population	Patients with dry eye disease, presbyopia, and those undergoing cataract surgery
Care Setting	Ophthalmic clinics combined with surgery centers; physician-led patient care supported by ophthalmic professionals

Integration of clinic and surgery center in a state-of-the-art facility enhances comprehensive eyecare delivery
Patient non-compliance with treatment regimens leads to recurrent symptoms and increased medication use
Educational and professional support through the American Academy of Ophthalmic Professionals improves care delivery

Efficient diagnostic testing for ocular surface disease is essential for accurate detection

Address patient compliance to prevent treatment discontinuation and symptom recurrence
Counsel patients according to their stage of presbyopia to enhance patient experience

Monitor patient adherence to prescribed treatments to avoid a cycle of recurrent symptoms

Non-compliance with ocular surface disease treatments increases risk of symptom recurrence and additional medication use

Patients with ocular surface disease and presbyopia

Many patients discontinue prescribed drops, leading to recurrent symptoms and need for additional medications

Combine clinical and surgical eyecare services in one location to improve patient access and continuity of care
Educate and train ophthalmic professionals to support physician-led patient care effectively
Implement counseling strategies tailored to patient stages of presbyopia to improve treatment adherence