First Follow-up «

First Follow-up

The patient returned for follow-up in 3 weeks.

What do you think I focused on during the patient’s first follow-up visit?

○	a. The patient’s experience with and ability to handle LACRISERT^® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) Yes. For patients to benefit from LACRISERT^® therapy, they must use the insert properly. In order for them to insert properly, it is imperative that I train them. Proper placement of the insert is my first concern during follow-up, even though it is not a problem for most patients, including those with rheumatoid deformity in their hand.¹ I eventually repeat the diagnostic tests such as measurement of tear osmolarity but only at some point after I am assured that the patient has been doing well with the insert. Hill JC. Slow-release artificial tear inserts in the treatment of dry eyes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1989;73(2):151-4.
○	b. Changes in the patient’s vision This was not my main concern for the first follow-up, although I did expect the patient’s vision to improve with long-term LACRISERT^® therapy. Please select again.
○	c. Tear osmolarity changes I did plan to repeat measurement of tear osmolarity to assess dry eye status and treatment efficacy, but not as soon as the first follow-up visit. Please select again.
○	d. Ocular surface evaluation There is no treatment that would lead me to expect rapid improvement of the ocular surface in advanced Sjögren’s syndrome dry eye. Please select again.

Indications and Usage

LACRISERT^® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is indicated in patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT is also indicated for patients with exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions.

Important Safety Information

LACRISERT^® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to hydroxypropyl cellulose.
Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT should be carefully followed.
If improperly placed, LACRISERT may result in corneal abrasion. Because LACRISERT may cause transient blurred vision, patients should be instructed to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
The following adverse reactions have been reported, but were in most instances mild and temporary: transient blurring of vision, ocular discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, photophobia, hypersensitivity, eyelid edema, and hyperemia.

Please see full Prescribing Information for LACRISERT^® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert).

Douglas K. Devries, OD, is a co-founder and managing partner of Eye Care Associates of Nevada and serves as both clinical director and optometric residency program director for the state-wide practice. He is an adjunct clinical professor of optometry at Pacific University and serves on the advisory board or speakers' bureau of Abbott Medical Optics, Alcon, Allergan, Akorn, Bio Tissue, BVI Medical, Bausch + Lomb, TearLab, NiCox, OcuSoft, and Ophthalmic Resources.

Shire Test Prep

First Follow-up

What do you think I focused on during the patient’s first follow-up visit?

Indications and Usage

Important Safety Information

Eye Care Professionals Only