Smartphone reminders improve short-term artificial tear adherence in dry eye disease
A smartphone reminder application improved short-term adherence to a 4-times-daily artificial tear regimen among women with dry eye disease (DED), according to a study. However, the benefit declined over time and was not accompanied by improvements in symptoms or signs over 2 weeks.
The masked randomized crossover trial included 29 women with DED with a mean age of 21.2 years. Participants completed two 14-day phases, including one with app-based reminders and one without, separated by a 7-day washout period. The primary outcome was the mean number of daily artificial tear applications. Researchers assessed symptom frequency and severity using the Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE).
Participants used artificial tears more frequently during the app phase than during the non-app phase (P < 0.001). However, drop use decreased over time in both phases (P < 0.001). Symptom frequency also declined over time, but there was no difference between the reminder and non-reminder phases. Symptom severity remained unchanged.
Baseline clinical measures did not predict drop-use frequency or improvement associated with the app.
Reference
Ayaz M, De Barros G, Ahmed K, et al. The Impact of a Smartphone Reminder Application on Artificial Tear Adherence in Dry Eye Disease. J Clin Med. 2026;15(16):6369. doi: 10.3390/jcm15166369. PMID: 42652773.
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