Current and emerging approaches in the management of severe ocular surface disease

Ocular surface disorders such as dry eye disease are an increasingly encountered ophthalmic dis-order, in which signs and symptoms can vary significantly from one patient to the next. Severe dry eye can be a challenge for the ophthalmic practitioner to manage. Contemporary manage-ment options are wide-ranging and include topical treatments, contact lenses and surgical op-tions. More recently newer stem cell based therapies have emerged, and early reports have shown promising outcomes. Meanwhile other novel approaches, such as the eggshell membrane are currently in development and while no studies have yet reported on its use in ophthalmic ap-plications further developments in this area are expected. However longer term studies are need-ed in order to fully assess the safety and efficacy of these newer treatments. There are an increas-ing number of treatment options available for ocular surface disorders. This article provides an overview of some of the current treatment options that are available for severe ocular surface dis-orders including dry eye disease, as well as insight into applications that are currently in develop-ment which may show potential in the future.