Efficacy of 3 different artificial tears for the treatment of dry eye in frequent computer users and/or contact lens users

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2011 Sep-Oct;21(5):538-44. doi: 10.5301/EJO.2011.6324.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of 3 different artificial tears (AT) acting primarily in one of the 3 tear film layers (Tears Again®, lipidic; Opticol®, aqueous; Optive®, mucin) in recovering the tear film changes in patients with dry eye symptoms due to external causes.

Methods: A total of 27 patients, with dry eye symptoms associated with extra hours of computer or contact lenses use, were randomized to 4 treatment groups: A received Tears Again®; B received Optive®; C received Opticol®; D received no treatment (control). Patients were observed in 3 visits: day 0, day 7, and day 30. Tear break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer tests and the Ocular Surface Disease Index were performed. Data analysis was performed.

Results: There were no significant differences between the groups. From day 0 to day 30, there was a decrease in the number of eyes with abnormal TBUT (not significant) and Schirmer (significant in A, B, D; p<0.031). There was an increase in the average TBUT for all groups (significant in A, C; p<0.001) and a decrease in the average Schirmer value in groups B, C, and D (not significant) and an increase in group A (p = 0.002). There was a decrease in the average Ocular Surface Disease Index value in all groups (p<0.045).

Conclusions: All AT were efficient at recovering the tear film, but those acting primarily on the internal and intermediate layer led to a mild decline on lachrymal production. An association of different kinds of AT acting on each layer can be the best treatment for corneal surface diseases affecting eye lubrication.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase IV
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Computer Systems*
  • Contact Lenses / adverse effects*
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / drug therapy*
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / etiology
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / drug therapy
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / metabolism
  • Ophthalmic Solutions / administration & dosage*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tears / metabolism*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Ophthalmic Solutions