Topical ocular lubricants significantly reduce corneal epithelial thickness irregularity in dry eye

Regular use of topical ocular lubricants significantly reduces corneal epithelial thickness irregularity in dry eye sufferers within just 48 hours, with improvements sustained for up to 4 weeks, according to a study.

This prospective, single-center, investigator-masked, randomized, parallel-group study involved 48 participants with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, evidenced by an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score greater than 23 at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: 0.15% hyaluronic acid + hydroxypropyl guar, 0.2% hyaluronic acid, or saline, with 16 participants in each group. Corneal epithelial thickness was measured at baseline, 48 hours, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The OSDI questionnaire was administered at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.

Overall, horizontal epithelial thickness irregularity factor showed a significant reduction at all follow-up visits compared to baseline (P = 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the different eye drops (P = 0.34). Vertical epithelial thickness irregularity factor did not show significant changes over time (P = 0.32) or between different treatments (P = 0.08). Notably, ocular symptoms significantly improved after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment compared to baseline (P < 0.001), though no differences were observed between the various eye drops (P = 0.46).

Reference
Tan J, Chidi-Egboka N, Jia T, et al. Changes in corneal epithelial irregularity following treatment with artificial tears. Optom Vis Sci. 2024;doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002136. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38775789.