A comparative study of efficacy of chloroquine phosphate 0.03% and sodium carboxymethylcellulose 1% in dry eye

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the tear film which leads to ocular discomfort, visual disturbances and damage to ocular surface. The objective of treatment of DED has now shifted from managemnt of ocular symptoms and patient relief to attainment of normal physiological composition of the tear film.Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of chloroquine phosphate 0.03% (CQP) eye drops with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 1% (CMC) eye drops in the management of DED.A single blind, prospective and comparative study including 100 patients of dry eyes was planned. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, each comprising of 50 patients. Group-1 patients were given CMC 1% eye drops 4 times a day for 12 weeks and Group-2 patients were given CQP 0.03% eye drops as the treatment modality 2 times a day for 12 weeks. The efficacy of both the drugs was compared and evaluated statistically.The study showed that both CQP and CMC eye drops are effective in treating DED, although faster onset of action was observed with CQP on ocular surface staining tests and Schirmer’s test. Also, it was noted that patients with severe DED showed least improvement in both the groups suggesting that mono-drug therapy is least effective in treatment of severe DED and multi drug therapy should be used early in treatment of severe DED.