Following the recently released TFOS DEWS III framework, Dr Margaret Lam, head of optometry and professional services for 1001 Optometry and adjunct senior lecturer for the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, highlights the role Rohto Dry Aid can play in treatment and management of dry eye.
Dry eye disease (DED) continues to rise in prevalence, driven by ageing populations, digital device use, and increasing recognition of ocular surface inflammation and neurosensory dysregulation as major contributors.
The TFOS DEWS III framework reframes DED as a multifactorial symptomatic condition characterised by loss of tear-film and ocular surface homeostasis, placing stronger emphasis on neurosensory pathways, individualised diagnosis, and targeted therapy. Within this contemporary landscape, Rohto Dry Aid represents a next-generation microemulsion-based lubricant drop designed to treat the tear film holistically.
DEWS III reinforces the importance of identifying tear-film instability using updated diagnostic cut-offs – such DEWS III reinforces the importance of identifying tear-film instability using updated diagnostic cut-offs – such as OSDI‑6 ≥4 and NIBUT <10 seconds[i],[ii] – and acknowledges the often-poor correlation between signs and symptoms.
This updated approach aligns with real-world clinical experience and encourages management that integrates patient-reported irritation, fluctuating vision, photophobia, and environmental triggers with examination findings.
Rohto Dry Aid, containing povidone, propylene glycol, sesame oil, castor oil, and surfactants such as polyoxyl‑40 stearate, improves all three layers of the tear film.
Povidone’s mucoadhesive properties help stabilise the mucoaqueous layer, reducing friction and enhancing tear-film thickness.
Lipid‑restoring components replenish both polar and non-polar lipid fractions – critical for reducing evaporation in the 86% of patients who exhibit an evaporative component[iii].
Meanwhile, menthol-mediated TRPM8 activation contributes to neurosensory modulation, promoting basal tearing and a soothing effect that aligns with DEWS III’s recognition of neurosensory dysfunction as a major DED driver.
Recent clinical evidence from Santos et al[iv] demonstrates significant improvements over 28 days of twice‑daily use, including TBUT increases from 6.3 to 10.0 seconds, improvement of corneal staining scores (score 0 rising from 23.1% to 69.2%), and OSDI reductions with 50% of patients achieving OSDI ≤12.
Meibomian gland function also improved, with normal gland scores increasing from 3.8% to 30.8%.
These clinically meaningful improvements demonstrate Rohto Dry Aid’s ability to support tear-film homeostasis consistent with DEWS III objectives.
As DED management shifts toward personalised, multimodal care, Rohto Dry Aid offers an evidence-based, preservative-free option that complements in-clinic therapy, MGD management, and patient lifestyle modification.
Its multi-layer action, neurosensory benefits, and emerging preservative-free availability position it as a valuable foundation in contemporary dry eye care.
Those keen to know more can go to www.ophthalmopro.com.au, ring 1300 578 228 or email ORDERS@OPHTHALMOPRO.COM.AU.
[i] Pult H, Wolffsohn JS. The development and evaluation of the new Ocular Surface Disease Index-6. Ocul Surf. 2019;17(4):817-21.
[ii] Wolffsohn JS, Travé-Huarte S, Craig JP, et al. Appropriateness of questionnaires for the diagnosis and monitoring treatment of dry eye disease. J Clin Med. 2024;13(11):3146.
[iii] Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, Foulks GN, Sullivan BD. Distribution of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study. Cornea 2012 May;31(5):472-8. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318225415a.
[iv] Santos LCD, Affonso A, Belfort R Jr, Freitas D. Efficacy of povidone and propylene glycol-based artificial tears in the treatment of dry eye disease. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2025 Oct 10;88(6):e20250153. doi: 10.5935/0004-2749.2025-0153. PMID: 41092218.
