A Community-Based Intervention for Dry Eye in Underserved Patients: Artificial Tears and Warm Compress Education

Investigating Dry Eye Management in Underserved Communities

Primary Investigator
J
Jennifer Eikenberry, MD

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years - 100 years
All
Phase N/A
30 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

This study aims to help patients at a free eye clinic better understand and manage dry eye symptoms. We will provide education, artificial tears, and washcloths for warm compress, then follow up to see if their symptoms improve. Our goal is to make dry eye screening, education, and treatment care more accessible and effective for people in underserved communities.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Patients attending the IUSOC Eye Clinic will be screened for dry eye symptoms during their routine visit using the OSDI questionnaire. Those who screen positive and meet eligibility criteria will be informed about the study by trained medical student volunteers. Interested patients will be asked for verbal consent to participate and to provide contact information and to return to clinic for follow-up approximately four weeks later. Patients will be recruited in person during their scheduled clinic visit after completing intake. Initial study awareness may be introduced in the clinic’s waiting area in a general, non-specific way. Patients who express interest will be approached individually in a semi-private space to discuss study details and provide consent. 

Detailed description of study

All research procedures will occur at the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic (IUSOC) Eye Clinic, a free, student-run clinic. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire will be administered on paper in the waiting room. Patients who meet eligibility criteria and provide verbal consent will receive a one-month supply of artificial tears, washcloths for use as a warm compress, a basin to hold warm water, and educational materials. These materials will be distributed discreetly by student volunteers and their use will be demonstrated to the patient. No sensitive procedures are involved.

Follow up survey will be completed in person at the clinic approximately one month after enrollment. 

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Dry eye
  • Age: 18 years - 100 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion Criteria
•    Adults aged 18 years or older;
•    English- or Spanish-speaking;
•    Patients seen at the IUSOC Eye Clinic during the study period;
•    Screen positive for dry eye symptoms on the OSDI questionnaire and have clinical signs of dry eye on exam;
•    Provide consent to participate and be contacted for follow-up.
 

Exclusion Criteria
•    Are under 18 years of age.
•    Do not speak English or Spanish, as study materials and follow-up are only available in these languages.
•    Have known ocular surface diseases or conditions other than dry eye that could confound symptom assessment (e.g., active eye infection, recent ocular surgery within 3 months).
•    Are unable or unwilling to return to the clinic for the follow-up questionnaire
•    Are currently using prescription dry eye treatments (e.g., prescription eye drops like cyclosporine or lifitegrast), to avoid confounding effects. This will be confirmed by self-report.
•    Have any medical or cognitive conditions preventing reliable survey completion or treatment adherence (e.g., severe cognitive impairment).

This study investigates dry eye management in underserved communities. Dry eye is a condition where your eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort. The purpose of this study is to provide education and resources like artificial tears and warm compresses to help manage symptoms.

Participants will receive a month’s supply of artificial tears, washcloths for warm compresses, and educational materials. These will be provided by student volunteers, who will also demonstrate how to use them. Follow-up will occur approximately one month later to assess any changes in symptoms.

  • Who can participate: Adults aged 18 years or older who speak English or Spanish and are seen at the IUSOC Eye Clinic can participate. They must screen positive for dry eye symptoms and agree to follow-up.
  • Study details: Participants will receive artificial tears, washcloths for warm compresses, and educational materials. They will learn how to use these items.
  • Study timelines and visits: The study will last approximately 1 month. The study requires 2 visits.
Updated on 06 Aug 2026. Study ID: 27902
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only