Budget impact analysis (BIA) of the TearCare System for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-associated dry eye disease (DED) in the United States (US)

Background TearCare is an in-office procedure indicated to restore MGD and relieve DED signs and symptoms. MGD is a major cause of DED, a high prevalence condition currently treated with medical therapies including over-the-counter and prescription drops. The BIA assessed the budget impact of increasing the TearCare market share against prescription drops in treating moderate to severe MGD-associated DED in US patients ≥18 years over 2 years.Research Design and Methods Prescription drops (cyclosporine 0.05%, cyclosporine 0.09%, and lifitegrast 5%) used twice daily were compared to TearCare (used once per year for patients with moderate disease and twice for severe disease). The BIA assumed a health plan population with 1 million lives and incorporated population characteristics, treatment allocation, market share, and treatment persistence. Assuming a 20% increase in TearCare market share, the model calculated total per member per year (PMPY) costs and per member per month (PMPM).Results Results showed PMPY and PMPM savings of $34.47 and $2.87, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated sensitivity to the proportion of moderate DED patients using prescription drops, moderate to severe DED incidence, and cyclosporine 0.05% costs. If 10% of patients did not switch to TearCare, notable savings were still observed with PMPY and PMPM savings of $30.11 and $2.51 over 2 years.Conclusion Results show cost savings with a TearCare market share increase in treating MGD-associated DED.