New Dry Eye Wheel Update Brings TFOS DEWS III Recommendations to ECPs Worldwide
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have rolled out an updated version of their widely used Dry Eye Wheel, aligning the clinical tool with the recently published TFOS DEWS III report.
The free resource, designed to guide eye care professionals (ECPs) through the three pillars of dry eye care, mitigation, measurement and management, has been refreshed to reflect the latest global consensus on diagnosing and managing dry eye disease.
What's changed
According to WCO and Alcon, the revised wheel now incorporates dry eye aetiological drivers, the streamlined OSDI-6 symptomatology questionnaire, and a number of new and refined management options drawn directly from the TFOS DEWS III findings.
The update sits alongside the existing Dry Eye Management Map, an interactive online tool the two organisations jointly developed to help ECPs work through dry eye disease management pathways. Both resources are available in multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, French and Spanish with further translations planned.
Importantly, the organisations were keen to stress that the tools are designed to support, not replace, clinical judgement. The optometrist remains the ultimate decision-maker in determining a patient's course of care.
Industry response
WCO president Cindy Tromans said the update gives clinicians and educators confidence that the wheel reflects current thinking from leading experts in the field.
Dr Carla Mack, Alcon's Global Head of Professional Education and Development, said advancing the understanding and management of dry eye disease remained a core priority for the company, pointing to the timing of the release ahead of Dry Eye Awareness Month as a chance to support ECPs globally with practical, easy-to-use resources.
Why it matters
Dry eye disease continues to be a significant and growing burden globally, with contributing factors including rising screen time, environmental triggers and an ageing population. Industry estimates put the number of people affected by dry eye disease worldwide at close to 1.6 billion.
The website hosting the wheel and management map also features a three-part video series unpacking the TFOS DEWS III report covering an overview of the report, its diagnostic methodology, and key points from the management and therapy sections.
The updated Dry Eye Wheel and accompanying resources are available free of charge at dryeye.worldcouncilofoptometry.info.
