Tear film stability in patients with symptoms of dry eye after instillation of dual polymer hydroxypropyl guar/sodium hyaluronate vs single polymer sodium hyaluronate.

Abstract

This study evaluated the tear film stability in patients with symptoms of dry eye after installation of dual polymer hydroxypropyl guar/sodium hyaluronate (DPHG/SH) vs single polymer SH. Patients with recently diagnosed mild to moderate dry eye disease (OSDI score 23-32 points) were included. For each patient, the right eye was randomized to receive DPHG/SH or 0.15% SH. Just after the administration of the drop to the right eye, the fellow eye received the other eye drop. The first non-invasive Keratograph first break-up time (NIKBUT), average NIKBUT and tear meniscus height (TMH) were measured before administration of the eye drops, at 1-min, 15min, 30min, 60min, 90min, and 120min after instillation. A total of 29 patients aged 22.8 ± 2.2years participated in the study (21 women). No differences between the eye receiving DPHG/SH and single polymer SH were observed for the first NIKBUT (p = 0.45) and average NIKBUT (p = 0.24) variables at any time point. Both DPHG/SH and single polymer SH increased the TMH (p of time effect < 0.001), but with no difference between groups (p = 0.95). Both DPHG/SH and single polymer SH solutions provide lubrication of the eye surface, however, with no difference in NIKBUT and TMH evaluations for up to two hours following administration.