The Scheie Eye Institute's Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Center, under the co-leadership of Mina Massaro-Giordano, MD, and Vatinee Bunya, MD, MSCE, dually innovates in both dry eye disease (DED) research and clinical care.
Dr. Massaro-Giordano, a recipient of the prestigious American Academy of Ophthalmology's Achievement Award and the Italian American Spirit of Medicine Award—and Dr. Bunya, American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and Secretariat Award winner in consecutive years—bring exceptional expertise to this critical field.
Since its inception in 2009, the Center’s educational content has attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers on YouTube and served large numbers of patients at the Scheie Eye Institute. The Center's most recent advances focus on studying compounds that target DED's root causes. Two notable compounds include Perfluorohexyloctane (PFHO), a revolutionary compound that specifically targets evaporative dry eye, primarily caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). PFHO's unique mechanism interacts with the tear film's lipophilic component, prevents tear evaporation, and dissolves altered, thick meibum. Additionally, through Lotilaner research, the team is making significant strides in treating Demodex blepharitis, an oft-overlooked condition that causes irritation and inflammation in DED patients.
These comprehensive multicenter studies feature randomized, double-masked trials—GOBI and MOJAVE—and have yielded promising results. The trials showed significant reduction in DED signs and symptoms, with notable improvements observed within two weeks of treatment, providing strong validation of PFHO's effectiveness. Clinical trials have demonstrated remarkable success through effective demodex eradication and substantial symptom relief for patients.
The Scheie Eye Institute maintains its commitment to advancing dry eye disease treatment—building upon cutting-edge research, and improving patient outcomes through conducting ongoing clinical trials, researching novel treatments, sharing findings with the medical community, and expanding relief options for millions affected by DED.
by Maressa Park