Post Operative Dry Eye In Clinical Practice: Physician Insights, Diagnostic Approaches, And Treatment Experience With Sodium Hyaluronate

This survey aimed to assess physicians' perceptions, prevalence, causes, clinical patterns, risk factors, diagnostic practices, and management approaches related to post-operative dry eye in India. Additionally, it evaluated prescribing behavior, familiarity, and clinical experiences with sodium hyaluronate-based lubricants such as Flogel HA, while identifying unmet needs and patient-education requirements.

A nationwide digital survey involving 122 ophthalmologists across 25 Indian states, including private practitioners, corporate hospitals, and academic/government institutions. Participants reviewed the protocol, provided consent, and completed an online questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by an independent agency and reviewed by the sponsor's medical team.

A structured online questionnaire captured information on dry-eye burden, post-surgical incidence, risk factors, symptom profiles, diagnostic tools, preferred treatment approaches, polymer selection, familiarity with Flogel HA, safety experience, and unmet medical needs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics, clinical perceptions, and practice patterns.

Most respondents were general ophthalmologists (86.89%) with 11–20 years of practice. Prolonged screen use (92.62%), post-surgery changes (71.31%), and aging (69.67%) were leading causes of dry eye. Post-operative dry eye was observed occasionally in 11–25% of patients by 39.34% of physicians. Burning/stinging (90.16%) and foreign body sensation (77.05%) were the most common symptoms. Schirmer’s test (70.49%) and TBUT (67.21%) were primary diagnostic tools. Artificial tears (95.08%) were the mainstay of management. Sodium hyaluronate was the most preferred polymer (54.92%),familiarity was high (94.26%). Adverse effects were rare never encountered). Key Patient understanding (81.15%) and compliance issues (69.67%) were key challenges.

Post-operative dry eye is commonly encountered after ocular surgery in India, with significant impact on patient comfort and recovery. Physicians rely on established diagnostics and prioritize lubricants, especially sodium hyaluronate, for symptom relief and corneal healing. Flogel HA is widely familiar and perceived as effective and safe.