Posters

Effect of two different treatment regimens with topical lubricants on ocular surface staining in patients with dry eye disease

Poster Details

First Author: D. Schmidl AUSTRIA

Co Author(s): K. Witkowska   P. Wozniak   A. Bata   K. Fondi   G. Garhofer   L. Schmetterer     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of two treatment regimen on clinical parameters such as ocular surface staining in patients with dry eye disease (DED) after one week of treatment. In addition, instillation frequency between the two treatment regimen (use of artificial tears during the day combined with a gel before going to bed vs. use of a lachrymal substitute gel alone) was compared.

Setting:

Forty patients with moderate to severe DED were included in this randomized, observer-masked, cross over study. The study took place at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology of the Medical University of Vienna.

Methods:

After a washout period, patients received either Thealoz Duo® eye drops for use during the day combined with Thealoz Duo® gel before going to bed or Thealoz Duo® gel only to use as needed. Then, another washout period was scheduled and patients crossed over to the other group. Patients were instructed to record instillation frequencies in a diary. Clinical standard tests for DED, such as corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining, measurement of break up time (BUT), Schirmer I test and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were performed at the beginning and end of each study period.

Results:

After one week of treatment, corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining score significantly decreased in both groups (time effect: p<0.001 each). Mean instillation frequency was 3.1±2.6 drops/day when using eye drops and 1.9±2.2 drops/day when using the gel (p=0.02). A significant increase in BUT with both treatment regimen was observed (time effect: p<0.001). No significant changes in Schirmer I test score or OSDI occured.

Conclusions:

With both treatment regimen, a significant improvement in corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining score was observed after one week. Instillation frequency was significantly lower when using the gel compared to artificial tears. This might indicate for a longer corneal residence time of Thealoz Duo® gel caused by the increased viscosity due to the additional carbomer component of the product.

Financial Disclosure:

None