New In-home Treatment Holds Promise for Dry Eye Symptoms and Cause

By Marguerite McDonald, MD, FACS

As most practicing ophthalmologists know very well, dry eye disease is extremely common; in fact, it is the number-one reason adults in the United States visit an eye care practitioner.

Yet, despite the estimated 4.88 million Americans age 50 and older who are affected, dry eye disease (DED) is not curable. Though there are now three brand-name prescription medications to treat the cause of dry eye, most DED treatments offered by eye care professionals attempt to relieve symptoms only. There are also in-office treatments that are effective but not covered by insurance; these are beyond the financial reach of many patients.

The most common of the products used to relieve symptoms—offered to some 68 percent of patients—is artificial tears.

While those drops may provide temporary relief of the pain, tearing, and redness that characterize dry eye disease, they cannot prevent the inevitable progression of the condition.

Now, however, ophthalmologists can add a relatively new product to their DED treatment arsenal – and one that does help prevent disease progression. NuLids, from NuSight Medical, is a form of blepharoexfoliation. It has been shown to be a safe, comfortable, affordable and easy-to-use treatment that patients use once daily, at home, in one-minute treatments. NuLids has been shown to not only relieve symptoms in an overwhelming majority of patients, but also to break the cycle of gland deterioration that is common in evaporative dry eye disease. Studies show regular use increases the number of functioning meibomian glands.

In a survey conducted before the product was launched publicly, an overwhelming majority of patients who tried it said they were comfortable using NuLids and were satisfied or very satisfied with the results. One year after NuLids was released into the market, a majority of patients who used it reported symptom relief and described the product as easy and convenient to use.

Researchers also documented significant improvements in: OSDI; osmolarity; tear film breakup time, and other measures of dry eye disease. In addition, after four months of use, patients experienced a reduction in lid plaque.

In addition, most patients report that after 30 days using NuLids, they are able to reduce their use of artificial tears and other symptom-relief products.

At the beginning of each treatment, the patient attaches a soft tip to the handpiece, and applies a small amount of lubricating gel to the edge of the soft tip. The patient then powers on the handpiece, which causes the soft tip to begin oscillating. The patient then gently places the soft tip on the eyelid margin and moves it back and forth across the eyelid margins. After each treatment the soft tip is thrown away.

Ophthalmology practices can purchase a NuLids Starter Kit for between $179 and $229 each, depending on order quantity, and the company suggests a cost to patients of around $319. The kit includes a rechargeable cordless handpiece, charger plug and cord and a 30-day supply of NuLids Daily Disposable Soft Tips.

When physicians invest in the NuLids system, they receive a number of tools to help educate patients about proper use, including videos and a comprehensive user manual. Physicians also receive a full complement of promotional materials, including brochures and waiting room videos.

Not only is NuLids an effective treatment, but it also saves patients money – they don’t have to spend as much on drops and other treatments. What’s more, making the product available to patients can help build practice revenue without increasing overhead.

Dr. McDonald has no financial interest in NuLids.

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