Comparing the efficacy of idroflog vs conventional artificial tears in patients with dry eye disease after cataract surgery

Abstract

AbstractPurpose: To examine the changes of ocular surface parameters in patients with dry eye disease (DED) instilling Idroflog eye drop (sodium hyaluronate 2 mg/ml plus hydrocortisone sodium phosphate 10 mcg/ml) versus conventional tear substitutes.Methods: This study was performed at the University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro between September 2021 and April 2022. Twenty patients (11 males, 9 females) affected by mild–moderate DED occurring after cataract surgery were included: 10 patients were treated with Idroflog (group 1) whereas 10 patients with conventional tear substitutes (Thealoz duo n = 4; Systane ultra n = 4, Hyalistil n = 2). Patients were examined at baseline (T0), day 15 (T1) and day 45 (T2) by means of Keratograph for the evaluation of: non‐invasive breakup time (NIBUT) class (0: >10 s; I: 6–10 s; II 3–6 s; III < 3 s), tear meniscus height (TMH) and bulbar redness. Subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort were scored at the same time points. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at T0 and T2 in both groups.Results: In group 1, a statistically significant reduction of OSDI score and NIBUT class was found at T2 compared to T0 (respectively, 15.9 ± 7.4 vs. 23.8 ± 8.7; p < 0.001 and 1.05 ± 0.75 at 0.55 ± 0.60; p = 0.027); conversely, mean values of TMH were significantly higher at T2 compared to T0 (0.52 ± 0.45 vs. 0.35 ± 0.22 mm; p = 0.027). Redness variation was not statistically significant (p = 0.30). Concerning group 2, only OSDI score improved significantly (from 25.98 ± 12.91 at T0 vs. 17.23 ± 8.36 at T2; p = 0.038). Conversely, no statistically significant changes were detected at T2 compared to T0 for NIBUT class (p = 0.96), TMH (p = 0.23) and bulbar redness (p = 0.87). No changes of IOP was found in both groups throughout the entire study (p = 0.91 in group 1 and p = 0.88 in group 2).Conclusions: Ocular discomfort symptoms improved in both groups after 45 days of treatment. Unlike conventional tear substitutes, Idroflog eye drop allowed also the improvement of the main signs of DED.