Improvement In Dry Eye Symptoms Research Articles

Effect of low dose honey on the apoptosis and inflammation gene expression in corneal limbal stem cells and keratocytes and its efficacy as an ophthalmic formulation in the treatment of dry eye: in-vitro and clinical study.

The use of honey as an eye treatment encounters challenges due to its high osmolarity, low pH, and difficulties in sterilization. This study addresses these issues by employing a low concentration of honey, focusing on both in-vitro experiments and clinical trials for treating dry eye disease in corneal cells. In the in-vitro experiment, we investigated the impact of a 1% honey-supplemented medium (HSM) on limbal stem cells (LSCs) and keratocytes using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BCL-2, BAX, and IL-1β gene expression. Simultaneously, in the clinical trial, 80 participants were divided into two groups, receiving either a 1% w/v honey ophthalmic formulation or a placebo for 3 months. Study outcomes included subjective improvement in dry eye symptoms, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer's test results. MTT results indicated that 1% HSM did not compromise the survival of corneal cells and significantly reduced the expression of the IL-1β gene. Additionally, participants in the honey group demonstrated a higher rate of improvement in dry eye symptoms and a significant enhancement in TBUT values at the three-month follow-up. However, there was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of Schirmer's test values. No adverse events were observed or reported. In conclusion, 1% honey exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties, proving effective in ameliorating dry eye symptoms and enhancing tear film stability in patients with dry eye disease.Clinical Trial Registration: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/63800.

Allogeneic serum eye drops Sjogren syndrome‐related dry eye disease: Clinical evaluation of the ocular surface and in vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the symptomatic and clinical efficacy and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) changes of the cornea after allogeneic serum eye drop therapy in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS)‐related Dry Eye Disease (DED).Methods: In this prospective clinical study 15 patients (30 eyes) with primary or secondary SS‐related DED were evaluated for Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, ocular inflammation grade, Schirmer's test, tear film break‐up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining, and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) analysis.Results: The average age of patients was 63.87 ± 9.18 years. The patients received treatment for a mean of 81.13 ± 56.84 days. The difference between before and after treatment with allogeneic serum eye drop therapy was statistically significant for OSDI parameters (p = 0.001), ocular inflammation (p = 0.004), TBUT (p = 0.007), Oxford Staining Scale (p = 0.007), Van Bijsterveld score (p = 0.006), basal epithelium density (p = 0.005), intermediate epithelium density (p = 0.041), Corneal Nerve Branch Density (CNBD) (p = 0.040), Beadings density (p = 0.047) and Fibre Tortuosity (p = 0.002).Conclusions: Allogeneic SEDs treatment in SS related DED patients, showed great results in terms of improvement in dry eye symptoms, clinical signs and IVCM changes. Further studies that aim at propagating and standardizing its production with clear international guidelines are needed.

Ocular Surface Metrics in Blepharospasm Patients After Treatment With Botulinum Toxin Injections.

The purpose of this study was to assess blepharospasm patients regarding the effect of botulinum toxin in ocular surface parameters. A prospective study was performed in blepharospasm patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA. A smartphone (iPhone 6S, Apple) and custom-made software were used to record the eyelid movements for 3 minutes in a standardized manner. Optical coherence tomography of the tear meniscus was used to assess the tear meniscus area. Tear break-up time and the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire were also evaluated. Patients were assessed before and 15 days after botulinum toxin injections. Forty eyes of 20 patients were evaluated. The frequency of the spontaneous eyelid movements was significantly reduced after treatment (23.18 ± 12.85 movements/min vs. 9.29 ± 6.87 movements/min; p < 0.0001). Significant increases in the tear meniscus area (0.020 ± 0.015 mm 2 vs. 0.057 ± 0.104 mm 2 ; p = 0.01) and in break-up time (4.2 ± 1.2 seconds vs. 5.1 ± 1.3 seconds; p = 0.03) were observed 15 days after treatment. A significant reduction in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (59.05 ± 19.04 vs. 21.2 ± 19.5; p < 0.0001) was also observed. Significant changes in the tear meniscus area, break-up time, and Ocular Surface Disease Index after treatment reflect the effect of botulinum toxin on the lacrimal pump and in the improvement of dry eye symptoms. Reduction of eyelid spasms after treatment in blepharospasm patients was demonstrated using a smartphone and custom-made software. Thus, beyond relieving eyelid spasms, botulinum toxin injections were associated with subjective and objective improvement of dry eye parameters in patients with blepharospasm.

Study to the Effect of Involutional Blepharoptosis Surgery Using Objective and Subjective Parameters.

Background We investigate the effect of involutional blepharoptosis (IB) surgery based on dry eye symptoms by analysis using objective and subjective measures. Methods We recorded various parameters from patients that underwent levator advancement surgery for IB, totaling 125 eyes (total 65 patients, 5 unilateral, 60 bilateral). Subjective assessment comprised a questionnaire on dry eye-related quality of life score (DEQS), a summary score calculated from DEQS, and six-grade evaluation, the patient's own measure of eye comfort. Objective assessment comprised marginal-reflex distance-1 (MRD-1), measurement of tear film breakup time, and superficial keratopathy (SPK) existence by slit lamp microscope. Results Subjective assessments showed that IB patients had improvement of dry eye symptoms and eye comfort when surgery increased MRD-1. On the other hand, objective assessments showed that the presence of SPK is suspected when the postoperative MRD-1 level is 3 mm or higher. Conclusion IB surgery must not only increase MRD-1 value, but also to perform maintenance of the appropriate ocular surface condition. From our parameters, we suggest postoperative MRD-1 value should be maintained at < 3 mm to safe and effective of IB surgery.

Effect of a Novel Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid Supplement on Dry Eye Disease: A 3-month Randomized Controlled Trial.

Supplementing diet with a novel combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids significantly improved symptoms in extremely symptomatic participants with dry eye disease (DED). This study aimed to determine the effect of daily intake of a novel combination of essential fatty acids on signs and symptoms of DED. Participants with moderate to severe DED were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-masked parallel group study. Participants ingested either the treatment supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (1200 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 300 mg docosahexaenoic acid, 150 mg γ-linoleic acid) or the placebo (coconut and olive oil) daily for 3 months. To determine compliance, Omega-3 Index blood tests were conducted. At baseline and at 1 and 3 months, the following assessments were conducted: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and Symptom Assessment Questionnaire in Dry Eye, noninvasive tear breakup time, tear meniscus height, tear osmolarity, ocular redness, surface staining, Schirmer test, and meibography. Fifty participants (mean ± standard deviation baseline OSDI score, 52.2 ± 16.5) completed the study: 24 randomized to treatment and 26 randomized to placebo. Although there was an improvement in OSDI score at 3 months for both groups (treatment: -13.4 points, P = .003; placebo: -7.8 points, P = .02), participants with baseline OSDI scores >52 demonstrated an even larger significant improvement in symptoms with the treatment at 3 months compared with baseline (n = 13, -20.8 points, P = .002). There were no significant changes in any of the ocular assessments at 1 or 3 months (all P > .05). After 3 months, Omega-3 Index increased by 34% in the treatment group (baseline, 5.3 ± 0.8; 3 months, 8.0 ± 2.1; P < .001) and did not change in the placebo group (baseline, 4.8 ± 0.8; 3 months, 4.8 ± 0.6; P = .95). Supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and γ-linoleic acid resulted in a significant and clinically meaningful improvement of dry eye symptoms in extremely symptomatic participants with DED (OSDI ≥52).

Improved Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs of Patients With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction by a Dietary Supplement.

Purpose: To explore the therapeutic effect of a dietary supplement on dry eye with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).Methods: Sixty patients with MGD-related dry eye were included in this prospective and randomized, placebo-controlled study. All the subjects were treated with eye hot compress, artificial tears, and antibiotic ointment. After that, the patients received dietary supplementary or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The dry eye signs, function of MG, and visual quality of the patients were assessed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the treatment.Results: Twelve weeks after the treatment, patients who received dietary supplement had a significantly better improvement of dry eye symptoms, in terms of ocular surface diseases index and tear breaking-up time (TBUT), than those who received placebo (P < 0.05). The functions of MG, in terms of meibum quality and MG exclusion and MG obstruction scores, were significantly improved in both dietary supplement and placebo groups (P < 0.05). Patients who received dietary supplement had a significantly better improvement in the MG structure, in terms of acinar diameter and acinar density, than those who received placebo (P < 0.05). The number of inflammatory cells near MG was significantly lower in the dietary supplement group when compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). The objective visual quality was significantly improved in the dietary supplement group, but not in the placebo group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The dietary supplement can effectively improve the symptoms and signs of MGD-related dry eye, reduce the inflammatory reaction of MG, restore the gland structure, and indirectly improve the visual quality.

Application of vitamin A palmitate eye gel and nurse value of Watson's theory of caring in children with dry eye after strabismus surgery: a randomized trial.

BackgroundAfter strabismus surgery, the local swelling of conjunctival wound will affect the uniform distribution of tears on the ocular surface, and the inflammatory reaction will affect the stability of tear film, which will easily lead to iatrogenic dry eye. This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin A palmitate (VAP) eye gel application in dry eye and the advantages of Watson’s theory of caring.MethodsTwo hundred and forty children with dry eye after strabismus surgery treated in our hospital from September 2018 to September 2020 were selected as the study subjects, and were randomly divided into control group and observation group according to the allocation ratio of 1:1. Watson’s theory of care nursing was applied in the observation group, and VAP eye gel was additionally dropped into the eye. Mouse conjunctival goblet cells (GCs) were used to detect the effect of VAP on the growth of GCs. Treatment compliance, improvement of dry eye symptoms [Schirmer I test (SIT), tear film break-up time (BUT), and fluorescent staining (FL) score], inflammatory factor levels in tears, clinical efficacy, and parents’ satisfaction were compared.ResultsIt was found that VAP eye gel could better promote the proliferation of GCs. After nursing and clinical treatment, the dry eye symptoms were improved in all included children, and improvements in the SIT, BUT, and FL scores were more obvious in the observation group. Watson’s theory of care nursing could effectively improve the children’s treatment compliance and parents’ satisfaction.ConclusionsAs a result, the application of VAP eye gel and Watson’s theory of care nursing could effectively reduce the occurrence of dry eye after strabismus surgery, and were of great importance for improving the relationship between nurses and patients and building a harmonious hospital.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100049136.

Laser Acupuncture Improves Tear Film Stability in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: A Two-Center Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of laser acupuncture (LA) therapy in patients with dry eye disease (DED).Design: A two-center randomized controlled trial.Settings/Location: The Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese Medicine at the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the Sunming Eye Clinic in South Taiwan.Subjects: Fifty-nine participants ages 20 to 65 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to the experimental group (LA plus conventional treatment) or the sham control group (LA without laser output plus conventional treatment).Interventions: Subjects underwent LA treatment three times a week for 12 weeks. The subjects in the experimental group sequentially received 0.375 J of energy at each of the following acupoints: BL2, TE23, ST2, LI4, ST36, and GB37. Subjects in the control group received a sham LA treatment, without any laser output.Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was ocular surface disease index (OSDI). The secondary outcome measures included tear film breakup time (TFBUT), Schirmer-I test finding, and visual analog scale (VAS) score.Results: At 4 and 12 weeks after the first visit, the experimental group showed significant improvement of dry eye symptoms as measured by OSDI, TFBUT, Shirmer-I test, and VAS. Compared with the control group, the OSDI (7.23, p = 0.001) and TFBUT (−1.78, p = 0.001) significantly improved in the experimental group at 12 weeks of treatment.Conclusions: LA improved the symptoms and tear stability related to DED in conjunction with conventional treatment. The authors suggest that LA be considered a complementary therapy for DED when conventional treatment does not provide satisfactory effects.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03204903.

Lateral Canthal Sling Procedure for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction? Results of a Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Background: Involutional changes of lid structures often induce horizontal lid laxity; this can result in a reduction of Meibomian gland expression, potentially leading to symptoms of dry eye. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tightening the lower eyelid via a lateral canthal sling (LCS) procedure on dry eye parameters. Methods: Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), lower lid laxity (positive Snap-back Test and positive Pinch Test) and no previous lid surgery were evaluated before and 3 months after LCS procedure for symptoms by OSDI. The fellow eye without surgery functioned as a control group. MGD parameters included lipid layer thickness (LLT), non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height, loss of Meibomian glands, lid margin parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOFs), Schirmer’s test, the number of expressible Meibomian glands as well as quality of Meibum. Results: Fourteen patients (8 men and 6 women; 79.2 ± 4.0 years) were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. After 3 months, the OSDI showed a significant reduction (preop 42.9 ± 24.7; postop 23.8 ± 21.6; p = .002); NIBUT (5.5 ± 2.6 s to 9.9 ± 6.8 s p = .08) and LLT (64.3 ± 30.4 to 74.1 ± 27.8; p = .025) improved, while Schirmer Test (15.3 ± 4.7 mm to 11.9 ± 2.9 mm; p = .03) and tear meniscus height were reduced (0.8 ± 0.3 to 0.6 ± 0.2; p = .05). Meibomian gland loss scored by the meiboscale slightly increased postoperatively (1.2 ± 0.9 to 1.4 ± 0.9; p = .18). The number of expressible Meibomian glands improved (4.4 ± 2.6 to 6.8 ± 2.1, p = .002) as well as the quality of Meibum (0.9 ± 1.0 to 0.5 ± 0.8, p = .04). Snap back test as well the pinch test were negative in all patients postoperatively. Conclusion: Addressing lower lid laxity with an LCS procedure simultaneously enhances tear drainage, reduces tear film volume parameters and increases tear film stability results with an improvement of dry eye symptoms. It is likely that increased lower eyelid tension and thus excretory pressure on the Meibomian glands is responsible for these alterations.

Acupuncture and Ocular Penetration

A woman with bothersome dry eye syndrome sought relief through traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture treatment at the Chengqi point was performed, and the patient noted slight pain and a light flash during the process. The patient reported subjective improvement in dry eye symptoms, but the light flashes continued intermittently. A retinal examination showed retinal tears associated with hemorrhages in both eyes (Fig A-D). The Chengqi acupoint is located below the mid-point of the superior orbital rim.

Role of punctal plugs as a primarily treatment modality in moderate to severe dry eye

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; In dry eye syndrome tear film disrupts which lead to ocular discomfort. Treatment of dry eye is very challenging and time consuming. Multiple treatment options are available for treating dry eye and one of them is punctal plugs. It blocks the drainage of tear by occluding puncta which helps in the preservation of natural tears on the ocular surface and relieve dry eye symptoms. This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of punctal plugs as a primary treatment modality in moderate to severe dry eye.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Fifty patients were included in this study and they were divided into two groups. In group A which included 25 patients punctal plugs were inserted and in group B (25 patients or 50 eyes) artificial tear drop was prescribed. The primary treatment outcome was the improvement in dry eye symptoms and secondary outcome was Schirmer test score, tear break up time and rose bengal staining score.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; There was drastic improvement in dry eye symptoms in group A (punctal plugs) compared to group B (artificial tear group). Schirmer test score, tear break up and rose bengal staining score also improved in punctal plug group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;This study has shown that punctal plug can be used as a primary treatment modality in moderate to severe dry eye as it improves greater symptomatic relief and also improves the condition of damaged ocular surface.&lt;/p&gt;

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye disease.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements, involving omega-3 and/or omega-6 components, have been proposed as a therapy for dry eye. Omega-3 PUFAs exist in both short- (alpha-linolenic acid [ALA]) and long-chain (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) forms, which largely derive from certain plant- and marine-based foods respectively. Omega-6 PUFAs are present in some vegetable oils, meats, and other animal products. To assess the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements on dry eye signs and symptoms. CENTRAL, Medline, Embase, two other databases and three trial registries were searched in February 2018, together with reference checking. A top-up search was conducted in October 2019, but the results have not yet been incorporated. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving dry eye participants, in which omega-3 and/or omega-6 supplements were compared with a placebo/control supplement, artificial tears, or no treatment. We included head-to-head trials comparing different forms or doses of PUFAs. We followed standard Cochrane methods and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. We included 34 RCTs, involving 4314 adult participants from 13 countries with dry eye of variable severity and etiology. Follow-up ranged from one to 12 months. Nine (26.5%) studies had published protocols and/or were registered. Over half of studies had high risk of bias in one or more domains. Long-chain omega-3 (EPA and DHA) versus placebo or no treatment (10 RCTs) We found low certainty evidence that there may be little to no reduction in dry eye symptoms with long-chain omega-3 versus placebo (four studies, 677 participants; mean difference [MD] -2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] -5.14 to 0.19 units). We found moderate certainty evidence for a probable benefit of long-chain omega-3 supplements in increasing aqueous tear production relative to placebo (six studies, 1704 participants; MD 0.68, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.09 mm/5 min using the Schirmer test), although we did not judge this difference to be clinically meaningful. We found low certainty evidence for a possible reduction in tear osmolarity (one study, 54 participants; MD -17.71, 95% CI -28.07 to -7.35 mOsmol/L). Heterogeneity was too substantial to pool data on tear break-up time (TBUT) and adverse effects. Combined omega-3 and omega-6 versus placebo (four RCTs) For symptoms (low certainty) and ocular surface staining (moderate certainty), data from the four included trials could not be meta-analyzed, and thus effects on these outcomes were unclear. For the Schirmer test, we found moderate certainty evidence that there was no intergroup difference (four studies, 455 participants; MD: 0.66, 95% CI -0.45 to 1.77 mm/5 min). There was moderate certainty for a probable improvement in TBUT with the PUFA intervention relative to placebo (four studies, 455 participants; MD 0.55, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.07 seconds). Effects on tear osmolarity and adverse events were unclear, with data only available from a single small study for each outcome. Omega-3 plus conventional therapy versus conventional therapy alone (two RCTs) For omega-3 plus conventional therapy versus conventional therapy alone, we found low certainty evidence suggesting an intergroup difference in symptoms favoring the omega-3 group (two studies, 70 participants; MD -7.16, 95% CI -13.97 to -0.34 OSDI units). Data could not be combined for all other outcomes. Long-chain omega-3 (EPA and DHA) versus omega-6 (five RCTs) For long-chain omega-3 versus omega-6 supplementation, we found moderate certainty evidence for a probable improvement in dry eye symptoms (two studies, 130 participants; MD -11.88, 95% CI -18.85 to -4.92 OSDI units). Meta-analysis was not possible for outcomes relating to ocular surface staining, Schirmer test or TBUT. We found low certainty evidence for a potential improvement in tear osmolarity (one study, 105 participants; MD -11.10, 95% CI -12.15 to -10.05 mOsmol/L). There was low level certainty regarding any potential effect on gastrointestinal side effects (two studies, 91 participants; RR 2.34, 95% CI 0.35 to 15.54). Overall, the findings in this review suggest a possible role for long-chain omega-3 supplementation in managing dry eye disease, although the evidence is uncertain and inconsistent. A core outcome set would work toward improving the consistency of reporting and the capacity to synthesize evidence.

Efficacy of pranoprofen combined with 0.3% hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops in the treatment of dry eye after cataract surgery

Objective To study the effect of pranoprofen combined with 0.3% hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops on dry eye after cataract surgery. Methods From July 2016 to June 2018, 80 patients with dry eye after cataract surgery in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yiwu were selected study objects, and they were randomly divided into control group and observation group by double blind random assignment method, with 40 cases in each group.The control group was treated with pranoprofen eye drops alone, while the observation group was treated with pranoprofen eye drops combined with 0.3% hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops.The lacrimal gland secretion, corneal fluorescein staining (FL) and corneal rupture time (BUT) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.The improvement of dry eye symptoms, ocular surface signs score and life satisfaction were observed in the two groups. Results There were no statistically significant differences in lacrimal gland secretion test, FL and BUT test before treatment between the two groups (all P>0.05). The lacrimal gland secretion test, BUT and FL in the control group were (6.44±0.32)mm/5 min, (1.60±0.45), (4.31±0.23)s, respectively, which in the observation group were (9.03±0.86)mm/5 min, (0.66±0.25), (5.20±0.33)s, respectively, the differences were statistically significant(t=17.79, 11.43, 13.59, all P<0.05). In the control group, significant improvement in dry eye symptoms observed in 26 cases, slightly improved in 9 cases, no improvement in 5 cases, which in the observation group were 32 cases, 8 cases, 0 case, and there was statistically significant difference between the two groups (Z=0.342, P=0.006). Ocular surface signs analysis: before treatment, the score of the control group was (3.61±1.33)points, which of the observation group was (3.65±1.27)points, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.051); after treatment, the score of the control group was (1.97±1.21)points, which of the observation group was (1.32±0.91)points, the difference was statistically significant (t=4.673, P=0.003). Life satisfaction score: after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, the control group was (20.62±3.17)points, (22.35±2.17)points, (29.16±3.19)points respectively, and the observation group was (23.32±2.16)points, (27.41±2.51)points, (33.11±4.15)points respectively, the differences are statistically significant between the two groups(t=6.29, 8.34, 6.31, P=0.002, 0.005, 0.013). Conclusion Pranoprofen combined with hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops has significant effect in the treatment of dry eye after cataract surgery. Key words: Xerophthalmia; Postoperative complications; Cataract extraction; Patient satisfaction; pralofen; Ali eye drops

The Improvement of Dry Eye Symptoms after Pinguecula Excision and Conjunctival Autograft with Fibrin Glue.

Purpose To evaluate the association between pinguecula excision and subsequent improvement in dry eye syndrome. Methods We included 30 consecutive patients with primary nasal pinguecula and dry eye symptoms undergoing ocular surgery for the first time. Criteria for pinguecula excision surgery were nasal location, yellowish color, and protrusion of conjunctiva at least 2 times thicker than adjacent normal conjunctiva as measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Our primary outcomes were 3-month postoperative changes in tear film breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and a dry eye symptom score. Results 30 eyes from 30 different patients (12 men and 18 women) underwent pinguecula excision and conjunctival autografting using fibrin glue. The mean age was 42.5 ± 8.35 (range 28–63) years. The preoperative protrusion ratio of pinguecula was 2.33 ± 0.28 (range 2.00–2.90). Mean preoperative TBUT, Schirmer test, and dry eye symptom scores were 5.10 ± 1.27 seconds, 6.07 ± 2.27 mm, and 2.80 ± 0.76 points. Mean postoperative 3-month TBUT, Schirmer test, and dry eye symptom scores were 7.80 ± 1.13 seconds, 7.27 ± 2.02 mm, and 0.30 ± 0.47 points, respectively. The median pre- and postoperative changes were found to be statistically significant by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for TBUT, Schirmer test score, and dry eye symptom score. Conclusion Surgical excision of pinguecula and conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue is an effective and safe method to improve symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

The Use of Junfeng BFS Water (JBW) in Dry Eye Syndrome.

Junfeng BFS Water (JBW) is normal drinking water treated by an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field with certain electromagnetic oscillations. This leads to a change in physical water properties, such as an increase in permittivity and an increase in dissolved oxygen. Animal studies show that JBW has certain biological effects, such as improvement in microcirculation, cell hydration, and blood rheology. In a clinical study, we were able to show an improvement in ocular blood flow after drinking JBW. Since people drinking JBW reported an improvement in dry eye symptoms, we wanted to examine tear film stability by determining the break-up time (BUT) through patient interviews. Sixty patients (120 eyes) were age matched and randomized in a double-blind study using the JBW device, or an identical looking nonworking device, without influence on drinking water (control group). All participants had to drink 2liters of water per day over a period of 2 months. All study subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including measurement of BUT at day 0, 1 month, and 2months. At the same time, the patients were interviewed about their eyes, their subjective feelings, and their vision. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SSPS program. Bivariate statistics were performed using the ANOVA test. The level of significance was a = 0.05 RESULTS: The increase in BUT was significantly higher in both eyes (a< = 0.01) of the population drinking JBW after 1 and 2months compared to the control group using untreated water. This result was confirmed in patient interviews. Therefore, patients drinking JBW judged the question "do you have tired eyes?" significantly better (a = 0.04) than the control group after 1 month. Eighty percent of the JBW group continued to drink JBW 6 months after the end of the study, and more than 50% were able to reduce treatment with artificial tears or stop it completely. Apart from an improvement in microcirculation, drinking JBW seems to have a positive effect on dry eye syndrome. Mechanisms are still unknown, and improvement in microcirculation of the lacrimal gland should be discussed. If our results can be confirmed in a larger study, and with more sophisticated methods, we see a potential for JBW's use as an additive to conventional dry eye therapy.

Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

To assess whether omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation is more efficacious than placebo in amelioration of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. We included randomized clinical trials comparing omega-3 FA supplementation with placebo in patients with dry eye disease. The outcome measures were dry eye symptoms, breakup time (BUT), Schirmer test, and corneal fluorescein staining. The pooled effect sizes were estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q and I tests. Sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias were performed. Meta-regression was performed to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Seventeen randomized clinical trials involving 3363 patients were included. Compared with placebo, omega-3 FA supplementation decreased dry eye symptoms [standardized difference in mean values (SDM) = 0.968; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.554-1.383; P < 0.001] and corneal fluorescein staining (SDM = 0.517; 95% CI, 0.043-0.991; P = 0.032), whereas it increased the BUT (SDM = 0.905; 95% CI, 0.564-1.246; P < 0.001) and Schirmer test values (SDM = 0.905; 95% CI, 0.564-1.246; P < 0.001). No evidence of publication bias was observed, and sensitivity analyses indicated the robustness of results obtained. Meta-regression analysis showed a higher improvement of dry eye symptoms and BUT in studies conducted in India. This meta-analysis provides evidence that omega-3 FA supplementation significantly improves dry eye symptoms and signs in patients with dry eye disease. Therefore, our findings indicate that omega-3 FA supplementation may be an effective treatment for dry eye disease.

Effect of a Natural Eye Drop, Made of Plantago Ovata Mucilage on Improvement of Dry Eye Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Dry eye disease is a relatively common eye disorder associated with decrease in quality of life. In this study, efficacy of an eye drop of Plantago ovata mucilage on symptoms of dry eye disease was evaluated. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, sixty dry eye patients with ocular symptoms and total Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score of ≥12 were randomly assigned to receive either a natural ophthalmic drop, made of Plantago ovata mucilage or placebo 4 times a day for 6 weeks. The patients were evaluated at pretreatment (baseline), weeks 4 and 6 post-treatment. The evaluation of the efficacy and safety were conducted based on the OSDI questionnaire, the noninvasive tear film break-up time (NI-BUT) with keratograph, the Schirmer test without anesthesia, and the osmolarity test, as well as by monitoring possible adverse events. After 6 weeks, within group analysis showed a significant improvement in total OSDI score (p < 0.001). In addition, between group comparison revealed a significant improvement in the OSDI score of the intervention group (p < 0.001). Although, NI-BUT was significantly improved in the Plantago ovata group (p = 0.004), however no statistically significant difference was observed in between group analysis. There were no significant differences between two groups, or significant changes within the groups in the Schirmer test without anesthesia and the osmolarity test. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, P. ovata mucilage is a natural, inexpensiveness, and safe lubricant polymer that could have beneficial ocular effects on subjective symptoms of the patients with dry eye disease.

A novel system, TearCare®, for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the TearCare® System in adult patients with clinically significant dry eye disease (DED).Patients and methodsThis was a prospective, single-center, randomized, parallel-group, clinical trial. Subjects with DED were randomized to either a single TearCare treatment conducted at the clinic or 4 weeks of daily warm compress (WC) therapy. The TearCare procedure consisted of 12 minutes of thermal eyelid treatment immediately followed by manual expression of the meibomian glands. WC therapy consisted of once daily application of the compresses to the eyelids for 5 minutes. Subjects were followed until 6 months post-treatment. The primary effectiveness end point was defined as change from baseline to 4 weeks for tear breakup time (TBUT). Secondary effectiveness end points included meibomian gland assessment, corneal and conjunctival staining scores, and assessment of dry eye symptoms using validated questionnaires. Safety was evaluated by collecting device-related adverse events, intraocular pressure, and best spectacle-corrected Snellen Visual acuity.ResultsTwenty-four subjects were enrolled and all subjects completed 6 months follow-up. At the 1-month follow-up, TearCare subjects demonstrated an improvement from baseline in mean (±SD) TBUT of 11.7±2.6 seconds compared with an average worsening of −0.3±1.1 seconds for subjects in the WC group (p<0.0001). Significantly greater improvements in the change from baseline in meibomian gland scores, as well as corneal and conjunctival staining scores, were observed in the TearCare group. Subjects in the TearCare group also showed significantly greater improvement in dry eye symptoms as measured by the 3 questionnaires. Both treatments were well-tolerated.ConclusionThe findings of this pilot study suggest that the TearCare System is an effective treatment option for patients with DED, with the effects on the signs and symptoms of DED persisting for at least 6 months.

Collyres de sérum autologue : traitement à long-terme dans le syndrome sec oculaire

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial pathology of the ocular surface. The high incidence of this pathology, as well as its significant impact on quality of life and vision and its financial cost, makes it a real public health problem. While the treatment of mild cases is generally simple and effective, treatment of severe forms is often disappointing. The use of autologous serum tears (AST) represents a therapeutic alternative for the most severe cases. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of long-term AST treatment in patients with severe dry eye disease refractory to conventional treatment or secondary to systemic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome or Graft versus Host disease (GVH), or ocular pathologies such as neurotrophic keratitis, chemical burns and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. This is a monocentric retrospective observational study conducted on 47patients, with 83eyes treated with autologous serum eye drops for isolated or secondary dry eye disease at the Marseille Public Hospitals between April 2014and April 2017. The patients' subjective symptoms (ocular surface disease index [OSDI] score), their degree of satisfaction and the side effects were collected using questionnaires. Tear Break Up Time (BUT) and Schirmer scores were noted. A clinical evaluation based on fluorescein staining (Oxford score) was carried out prior to treatment with AST at P0followed by 5periods: P1 (between 1and 3months), P2 (3to 9months), P3 (9to 15months), P4 (15months to 24months), and P5 (>24months). Out of the 83eyes treated, the mean age was 54.39±21.56. There were 20males (42.55%) and 27females (57.44%); treatment indications consisted mainly of 25.53% GVH, 21.27% severe dry eye disease and 19.14% Sjögren syndrome. The mean duration of follow-up was 9.82months±15.50. The OSDI score decreased by 19.32points±29.37 (P<0.05) between P0and P1and by 23.06points±18.41 (P<0.05) between P0and P4. The Oxford clinical score showed a significant decrease by the third month of treatment, between P0and P2, by 1.32points±1.76 (P<0.05). The Schirmer test and the BUT also showed an improvement in dry eye symptoms over time with AST, significantly at P1 (P<0.05). Complementary biological analyzes on the composition of AST are under way in order to identify predictive factors of effectiveness; patients not responding to AST treatment might respond to allogeneic serum from healthy donor cord blood. On this first series of 83eyes treated with ASD, clinical efficacy was noted in most of the patients. No infectious complications were reported, and the satisfaction rate was very high.

Dry eye syndrome: developments and lifitegrast in perspective.

Dry eye (DE) is a chronic ocular condition with high prevalence and morbidity. It has a complex pathophysiology and is multifactorial in nature. Chronic ocular surface inflammation has emerged as a key component of DE that is capable of perpetuating ocular surface damage and leading to symptoms of ocular pain, discomfort, and visual phenomena. It begins with stress to the ocular surface leading to the production of proinflammatory mediators that induce maturation of resident antigen-presenting cells which then migrate to the lymph nodes to activate CD4 T cells. The specific antigen(s) targeted by these pathogenic CD4+ T cells remains unknown. Two emerging theories include self-antigens by autoreactive CD4 T cells or harmless exogenous antigens in the setting of mucosal immunotolerance loss. These CD4 T cells migrate to the ocular surface causing additional inflammation and damage. Lifitegrast is the second topical anti-inflammatory agent to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of DE and the first to show improvement in DE symptoms. Lifitegrast works by blocking the interaction between intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and lymphocyte functional associated antigen-1, which has been shown to be critical for the migration of antigen-presenting cells to the lymph nodes as well as CD4+ T cell activation and migration to the ocular surface. In four large multicenter, randomized controlled trials, lifitegrast has proven to be effective in controlling both the signs and symptoms of DE with minimal side effects. Further research should include comparative and combination studies with other anti-inflammatory therapies used for DE.