The Prescribing of Artificial Tears Eye Drops in the Outpatient Setting

Aim: The aim of the present study was to describe the prescribing of artificial tears eye drops in the outpatient setting in Al-Kharj.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study that was conducted at the outpatient setting in a public hospital in Al-Kharj city. The study included reviewing the outpatient electronic prescriptions.

Results: Most of the prescriptions that include artificial tears eye drops between January/2018 to June/2018 were prescribed by residents (88.06%) and about 86.57% of the prescriptions were prescribed by ophthalmology department. In the period between July/2018 to December/2018, About 94.12% of the prescribers who prescribed artificial tears eye drops were residents and about 84.56% of the prescriptions were prescribed by ophthalmology department.

Conclusion: Artificial tears were prescribed frequently in the outpatient setting and could cause adverse events for some patients. So, it is also important to increase the awareness of healthcare providers and patients about the appropriate use of artificial tears.