SH-based artificial tears show superior symptom relief in dry eye disease study

A recent study evaluated the short-term efficacy of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, and sodium hyaluronate (SH)-based artificial tears in stabilizing tear film and improving symptoms in patients with moderate dry eye disease.

The prospective, double-masked study included 100 patients divided into 5 groups based on the artificial tear used.

All formulations were found to significantly improve noninvasive tear breakup time. However, the groups had no significant difference in tear meniscus height or bulbar redness. Patients reported better symptom relief with SH-based lubricants compared to 0.5% and 1% CMC-based drops and a combination SH-PEG-PG formulation.

The researchers concluded that a single drop of CMC, SH, or PEG-based artificial tears enhances tear film stability, although no significant differences were observed in their short-term effects.

Reference
Maity M, Allay MB, Ali MH, et al. Effect of different artificial tears on tear film parameters in dry eye disease. Optom Vis Sci. 2024;doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002206. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39729080.