The story describes the condition of dry eyes, including what it is, how it may affect people, who is affected, and what treatments might be tried (although the information on available treatments is cursory). The story misses an opportunity to develop treatment information. Story limitations include no clinical trial data on specific treatments, including whether any of the treatments mentioned are effective (other than they “help”) and whether one is any better than another. Info is also lacking on what exactly is in the prescription eye-drops, other than to say an “anti-inflammatory” medication. Readers are told how often one drug must be taken “for maximum effect,” but we’re not told what that maximum effect may be. Is it complete relief? Partial? Readers should also be aware that long-term safety of the prescription eye drops may be unknown if the duration of studies used for FDA approval were of short duration (a few months). Other limitations include lack of information about side effects, including short- or long-term side effects, and treatment costs. Last, the prescription eye drop treatment strategy is endorsed by a physician with ties to the manufacturer without attempt to obtain more objective input. If asked, many geriatricians would likely acknowledge that dry eyes is a common and bothersome symptom that can be easily managed and controlled with over-the-counter moisturizing drops. Yet, this story has elements of disease-mongering, telling readers about almost 5-million Americans over age 50 with symptoms ranging “from annoying to life-altering.” How many have simply annoying symptoms and may need nothing more than over-the-counter drops? No mention is made of the costs of any of the named approaches.
No mention of costs.
No evidence, including quantifiable benefits. The story does not
state what any of the treatments actually do or how they help.
No discussion of benefits or harms.
There simply is no evidence provided.
This story has elements of disease-mongering because the condition is not serious, although it may be
troublesome to those who have it. We have no idea whether taking prescription eye drops helps any more than any other
treatment.
When talking about
treatment, the article quotes a physician who recommends treatment with prescription eye drops and discloses that she is also
funded by the maker of prescription eye drops. Two other sources are interviewed.
The story lists existing treatments for dry eyes, but no mention is made of possible advantages or disadvantages
of options.
Story states treatments are available over-the-counter or as
prescription.
No mention of whether any of
the multiple treatments listed at the end of the story are new.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
Monday at #ADA2021, an infectious disease epidemiologist, a journalist, and a researcher shared perspectives on communication of risk in the era of COVID-19: http://ow.ly/ROfR30rMeE7 @AstleyCM @garyschwitzer @berthahidalgo @ADA_DiabetesPro
Shoutouts to @susan_bewley @drkevinknopf @MichaelBaum11 in this call for more than fawning coverage from press releases for these kinds of stories.
Also, linked history inside goes back 5 years just on Grail apparently trying to become Holy Grail. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1408849696416841731
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