Assessment of the efficacy of olopatadine 0.1% in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in terms of clinical improvement based on total ocular symptom score and ocular surface disease index

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to explore the efficacy of olopatadine 0.1% treatment in the resolution of symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) among the Indian population. Methods: This single?center, prospective cohort study involved 234 patients with VKC. Patients were treated with olopatadine 0.1%, twice daily for a period of 12 weeks and then followed up in 1st week, 4th week, 3rd month, and 6th month. The extent of relief in the symptoms of VKC was measured using total ocular symptom score (TOSS) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI). Results: In the present study, the dropout rate was 5.6%. Total of 136 males and 85 females with a mean age of 37.68 ± 11.35 years completed the study. TOSS score reduced from 58.85 to 5.06 and the OSDI score reduced from 75.41 to 11.2 with statistical significance (P < 0.01) from 1st week to 6th week after olopatadine 0.1% treatment. The data showed relief in subjective symptoms of itching, tearing, and redness, and relief in discomfort in functions related to ocular grittiness, visuals like reading, and environmental like tolerability in dry conditions. Further, olopatadine 0.1% was effective in both males and females, and patients across ages 18–70 years. Conclusion: Based on TOSS and OSDI scores, the findings of this study validate safety and tolerability as revealed by low adverse effects and moderate efficacy of olopatadine 0.1% in reducing VKC symptoms in a broader age group (18–70 years) of both genders.

Assessing clinical and molecular outcomes of prophylactic thermal pulsation therapy on ocular surface health following refractive surgery

Purpose: To study ocular surface signs, symptoms, and tear film composition following prophylactic thermal pulsation therapy (TPT) prior to refractive surgery, and to compare these outcomes with those who underwent TPT after refractive surgery. Methods: Patients with mild?to?moderate evaporative dry eye disease (DED) and/or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) undergoing refractive surgery were included. Group 1 patients received TPT (LipiFlow) prior to laser?assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK; n = 32, 64 eyes), and Group 2 patients received TPT three months after LASIK (n = 27, 52 eyes). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, Schirmer’s test (ST1, ST2), Tear Breakup Time (TBUT), meibography, and tear fluid were obtained preoperatively and at three months postoperatively in Groups 1 and 2. Additional postoperative evaluation was performed three months after TPT in Group 2. Tear soluble factor profile was measured by multiplex enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using flow cytometry. Results: Postoperative OSDI score was significantly lower and TBUT was significantly higher when compared with matched preoperative values of Group 1 participants. On the other hand, the postoperative OSDI score was significantly higher and TBUT significantly lower when compared with matched preoperative values of Group 2 participants. TPT significantly reduced the postoperative elevation in OSDI and significantly reduced the postoperative reduction in TBUT in Group 2 participants. Tear Matrix metalloproteinase?9/ Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP?9/TIMP1) ratio was significantly higher, postoperatively, when compared with matched preoperative levels in Group 2. However, MMP9/TIMP1 ratio remained unaltered in Group 1 participants. Conclusion: TPT prior to refractive surgery improved postsurgical ocular surface signs and symptoms and reduced tear inflammatory factors, thereby suggesting the plausibility of reduced post?refractive surgery DED in patients.

Study of tear function before and after laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis

Purpose: This work assesses the change in tear function after LASIK surgery. Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in the Refractive Clinic of a tertiary care rural hospital. Tear dysfunction symptoms and the tear function tests were assessed in 269 eyes of 134 patients, OSDI score was used to document the tear dysfunction symptoms. Tear function was assessed by tear meniscus height, tear film break?up time (TBUT), Lissamine green staining, corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test 1 without anesthesia before and at 4–6 weeks and 10–12 weeks after LASIK surgery. Results: Preoperatively OSDI score was 8.54 ± 7.71. It increased to 15.11 ± 9.18 postoperatively at 4–6 weeks after LASIK surgery and 13 ± 9.56 at 10–12 weeks after LASIK surgery Mean TBUT preoperatively was 7.82 ± 3.57 sec which decreased to 5.34 ± 2.56 sec at 4–6 weeks and to 4.53 ± 2.63 sec at 10–12 weeks postoperatively. The number of eyes with clear secretion decreased from 40.5% preoperatively to 23.4% at 4–6 weeks and to 22.3% at 10–12 weeks postoperatively, whereas the granular and cloudy secretions increased significantly in eyes after LASIK surgery. The prevalence of eyes with Lissamine green score >3 (dry eye) increased from 17.1% preoperatively to 27.9% at 4–6 weeks and to 30.5% at 10–12 weeks. Similarly, the number of eyes showing positive fluorescein corneal staining increased from 5.6% preoperatively to 19% postoperatively at 4–6 weeks. Mean Schirmer score was 28.83 ± 6.39 mm preoperatively, 22.47 ± 5.38 mm at 4–6 weeks, and 21.27 ± 4.99 mm at 10–12 weeks after LASIK surgery. Conclusion: The prevalence of dry eye increased after LASIK as was assessed by an increase in the tear dysfunction symptoms using OSDI score and the deranged values of various tear function tests after LASIK surgery

Study of correlation between vitamin D3 levels and dry eye

Purpose: Dry eye is a prevalent disorder of tear film resulting from either decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. It is becoming a serious issue due to its disturbing symptoms, which become progressively troublesome affecting the work efficiency of patients and increasing financial burden due to lifelong dependency on eye drops. If not detected early, it can lead to sight?threatening complications. This study aims to explore serum vitamin D3 deficiency as a causative factor of dry eye. Methods: The study was conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in India, for a period of two years from September 2018 to September 2020. About 40 patients who had dry eye and 20 controls were enrolled in this study. They were given an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, examined for signs of dry eye on slit lamp with Schirmer’s test and tear film break?up time. All 60 participants were subjected to serum vitamin D3 level laboratory test and its deficiency prevalence was correlated with dry eye and its severity. Results: Serum vitamin D3 deficiency was found to be more prevalent in patients with dry eye. There was no gender predilection or change in prevalence with increasing age. Vitamin D3 level was negatively correlated with OSDI and positively with Schirmer’s test 1 and 2 and tear film break?up time (TBUT) scores. Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D3 deficiency was not consistently found to be associated with the increasing severity of dry eye.

Applicability comparison between Chinese dry eye questionnaire and ocular surface disease index questionnaire among college students / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the applicability of Chinese dry eye questionnaire in college students using the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)questionnaire as a reference.METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 711 college students from Nanyang Medical College were enrolled in the study and assessed for dry eye condition using OSDI questionnaire and Chinese dry eye questionnaire. The response rate of each question in the two questionnaires was counted. Cronbach α was calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of both questionnaires. Correlation between the total scores of the two questionnaires was analyzed to evaluate the criterion validity. Based on OSDI scores, the discriminant validity of Chinese dry eye questionnaire was evaluated; receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves was plotted for Chinese dry eye questionnaire scores, area under the ROC curve(AUC)was calculated, and diagnostic thresholds and corresponding sensitivity and specificity were also analyzed.RESULT: The response rates of the 12 questions on the OSDI questionnaire were 33.2%-100.0%, while it was 100.0% for each question on the Chinese dry eye questionnaire. The Cronbach α values of OSDI questionnaire and Chinese dry eye questionnaire were 0.905 and 0.789, respectively. The Chinese dry eye questionnaire score was positively correlated with the OSDI score(rs=0.712, P&#x003C;0.001). According to OSDI questionnaire scores, dry eye severity was divided into normal group, mild dry eye group, moderate dry eye group and severe dry eye group. The scores of Chinese dry eye questionnaire in these groups were 4.00(2.00, 6.00), 9.00(7.00, 11.00), 12.00(9.00, 14.00)and 16.00(13.50, 22.00), respectively, which increased with the severity of dry eye, and the overall difference was statistically significant(P&#x003C;0.001), as well as pairwise comparison between groups(P&#x003C;0.05). The AUCs of Chinese dry eye questionnaire in distinguishing normal population from dry eye population, mild dry eye from moderate dry eye, moderate dry eye from severe dry eye were 0.862, 0.661 and 0.769, respectively, and the diagnostic thresholds were 6.5, 11.5 and 14.5, respectively.CONCLUSION:Chinese dry eye questionnaire has an equivalent reliability, validity, discriminant ability and better response rate for dry eye screening and epidemiological survey among college students in China compared with OSDI questionnaire.

Comparison of the OSDI Questionnaire, the Tear Film Break-up Time and Schirmer Tests for the Evaluation of Tear Film in Computer users and Contact Lenses without Dry Eye Symptoms

Aims: To compare the diagnostic values of the OSDI, the Schirmer’s and tear film breakup time test to check for dry eye in healthy adult students using computers and contact lenses.Methodology: Our sample consisted of hundred (100) eyes from fifty (50) healthy adults aged 18-24 years students at the University of West Attica (25 participants were contact lens wearers, while the remaining 25 were not). All participants were exposed to a computer screen or a mobile screen. Qualitative tear measurement was performed with Tear Break-Up Time Test (TBUT), quantitative measurement of tears with Schirmer Test and use of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).Results: During the analysis of the results, it was found that OSDI was inversely proportional to the TBUT test and the Schirmer test. 60% did not have dry eye, 34% had a mild dry eye, 4% had moderate dry eye and 2% had severe dry eye. ? statistically significant relationship existed between OSDI and the other variables as well as the TBUT test with Schirmer test (p-value <0.05).Conclusion: The OSDI questionnaire, used in conjunction with the TBUT test, was easy to perform and could be helpful in supporting the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma eye drop versus artificial tear eye drop for symptomatic dry eye disease: A prospective comparative interventional study

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of autologous platelet?rich plasma (aPRP) eye drop and artificial tear (AT) eye drop in moderate to severe symptomatic dry eye disease (DED). Methods: This prospective interventional study included 121 eyes of 61 patients of moderate to severe DED. Patients were divided into aPRP (31 patients) and AT (30 patients) group. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, tear film breakup time (TBUT) (s), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, and Schirmer test score (mm) of both the groups were evaluated and compared pre?treatment and post?treatment at the end of 3 months. Results: The mean age of the aPRP group and AT group was 52.8 ± 12.8 years and 55.5 ± 13.4 years, respectively. At the end of 3 months, OSDI score reduced more in the aPRP group as compared to AT group, and the mean difference (?22.7) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in post?treatment Schirmer test score between the two groups (P = 0.44). Post?treatment improvement in TBUT and CFS score in the aPRP group was significantly higher in the aPRP group as compared to that in the AT group (P < 0.05). Bruising at the site of blood withdrawal was noted in two patients in the aPRP group. Conclusion: aPRP is safe and more effective than AT in treating patients with moderate to severe symptomatic DED

A study of the association between Vitamin D deficiency and Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) in the Indian population

Purpose: A study of the association between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye syndrome (DES) in the Indian population. Methods: This was a cross?sectional, hospital?based observational study. Sixty patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/dl) who met the inclusion criteria were sent to the Eye OPD from the Endocrinology OPD (case) were compared to 60 subjects with normal vitamin D levels (?20 ng/dl) who attended the Eye OPD (controls). The examination of the tear film was done using Whatman filter paper in Schirmer test I and Schirmer test I (with anesthesia). The tear film break?up time (TFBUT) was determined by slit?lamp examination using the fluorescein stain, and scoring using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was done. Results: A significant difference in the mean values of Schirmer I and Schirmer I test (with anesthesia) (P < 0.001) was seen between the case and control groups. A significant difference in the mean values of TFBUT (P < 0.001) and OSDI scores (P < 0.01) was also seen between the two groups. Conclusion: A positive association was found between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye on comparing the above parameters.

Evaluation of Effect and Safety Profile of Systemic Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Treatment of Dry Eye Over a Period of 3 Months: An Institutional Based Study

Background: Dry eye is a symptom complex resulting fromalteration in composition, stability and tonicity of the tear film.Dry eye affects millions and substantially altering theproductivity and quality of life. The aim of the present studywas to evaluate the effect and safety profile of systemicomega-3 fatty acids in treatment of dry eye over a period of 3months.Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomisedcontrol study, 40 patients of Dry eye disease were recruitedfrom outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, SubhartiMedical College, Meerut. Group A: Patients were given tearsubstitutes (carboxy methyl cellulose 0.5%) q.i.d. as well asomega-3 fatty acids in recommended doses. Group B: Patientswere given tear substitutes only q.i.d. (carboxy methyl cellulose0.5%). Follow up examination was done after two weeks, sixweeks and twelve weeks. OSDI were done at every visit.Comparison between randomized groups was done usingindependent T Test. P value was calculated and p value lessthan 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: In the present study total no. of patients was 40 inwhich 4 patients drop out. Patients were followed up for 12weeks. The maximum cases were in the age group 40-50 yrs(52.77%) Mean age of patients were 49.16 yrs. Disease wasbilateral in all patients. Out of 36 patients included in studymajority were female i.e.21 (58.33%). In the present study weobserved that in group A (omega-3 fatty acids + lubricant eyedrops) the mean and standard deviation of OSDI score showedimprovement on the successive follow-ups i.e. from 70.5±15.5to 20.2 ± 13.8. In group B (lubricant eye drops) the mean andstandard deviation showed slight improvement on the firstfollow up i.e. from 70.2±15.2 to 53.31±14.9, then no significantimprovement on further follow-ups i.e. 68.73±15.0 on thesecond follow up and 69.77±15.1 on the third follow up. Oncomparing OSDI test scores between two groups usingindependent “t” test the p value was found to be significant onsecond, third and fourth follow-ups i.e. (p<.05).Conclusion: Our study concluded that OSDI score improvedamong participants of Group A at 12 weeks and thisimprovement was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001).No significant improvement was seen in Group B. Dietaryintervention with Omega-3 fatty acid not only causessymptomatic improvement but also improves clinical markersof dry eye as evidenced by a positive drift in OSDI score.

Clinical Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Phacoemulsification for Dry Eye

Background: “Dry eye” is a multifactorial disease of tears and ocular surface that can be result from aqueous deficiency ormay be evaporative in nature. Dry eye affects individuals worldwide. Long-term epidemiological studies have shown that theincidence rates among the population between ages 43 and 86 years at 5 and 10 years of follow-up to be 13.3% and 21.6%,respectively.Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and severity pattern of dry eye among patients who haveundergone phacoemulsification.Materials and Methods: A total of 152 patients undergoing phacoemulsification for matured cataracts in the Department ofOphthalmology of KMCT Hospital were included in this study. The incidence of dry eye on day 7 after phacoemulsificationwas assessed using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Tear breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein stainingwith Oxford Schema, and Schirmer I test without anesthesia were performed after the questionnaire. The TBUT measures theinterval between the last complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot or disruption of the tear film.Observations and Results: Among 152 subjects, there were 97 male patients (63.81%) and 55 (36.18%) female patientswith a male to female ratio 1.76:1. The mean age was 57.13 ± 9.50 years. The eldest patient was aged 78 years. On day 7postoperatively, the mean scores of OSDI questionnaire (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 12.57 vs. 35.10, respectively),TBUT (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 15.85 ± 1.25 s vs. 13.9 ± 0.70 s), Oxford Schema (preoperatively vs. postoperativelywas Grades 1 vs. 2), and Schirmer I without anesthesia (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 22.10 ± 5.44 mm at 5 min[15–35 mm] vs. 7.50 ± 2.20 in 55.30% [6.10–9.05], respectively) showed a trend toward dry eye syndrome during the 1st week.Conclusions: Dry eye symptoms can develop immediately after phacoemulsification and the severity can peak on day 7. Bothsymptoms and signs of dry eye can improve over time. However, it is important that ophthalmologists assess dry eye beforeand after phacoemulsification to ensure proper treatment, quality of vision, and quality of life for their patients

Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of a Filipino dry eye screening questionnaire

Objective@#The objectives of this study were to develop a cross-culturally adapted, Filipino version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and to assess its reliability. @*Methods@#A Filipino-adapted version of the OSDI was developed following guidelines for language-specific questionnaires: forward translation into Filipino by 2 independent bilingual translators, back-translation into English by a language institution, and a final forward translation to Filipino resolved by a review committee. To check for equivalence, the English and Filipino versions of the OSDI were pretested on 16 patients in a dry eye clinic. The Filipino version was then administered to 36 participants, and a Cronbach alpha coefficient for reliability of the overall instrument and the alpha that would result if each item were removed were computed. Finally, the questionnaire was then retested on 11 dry eye patients to see if the coefficient would increase.@*Results@#All reported no difficulty with the Filipino questionnaire, with 81.3% expressing preference in answering it. Most (81.3%) chose the same answer in at least half of the items in both languages, though the range of similar responses varied from 41.7% to 91.7%. Reliability testing of the Filipino questionnaire showed this to have fair internal consistency (α=0.5958). The value increased to moderate internal consistency (0.7576) when 3 items were removed. @*Conclusion@#A culturally-adapted OSDI in Filipino was successfully produced and was the preferred tool by most patient participants.

Fiabilidad y validez del cuestionario OSDI (Ocular Disease Surface Index) en pacientes con diagnóstico de Síndrome de Ojo Seco en el Hospital Simón Bolívar, Colombia / Reliability and validity of the questionnaire OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) in Patients Diagnosed with Dry Eye Syndrome in the Hospital Simon Bolivar, Colombia

Introducción: la enfermedad de superficie ocular, como actualmente se le conoce al síndrome de ojo seco, ocupa dentro de la morbilidad ocular uno de los principales motivos de consulta, la cual genera múltiple sintomatología con un importante impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Objetivo: validar transculturalmente el cuestionario OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) en pacientes diagnosticados con síndrome de ojo seco atendidos en la consulta de oftalmología en el servicio del Hospital Simón Bolívar, Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó la traducción del cuestionario OSDI, y se puso en consideración de expertos en el tema y posteriormente se realizó la aplicación del mismo a un total de 132 pacientes con diagnóstico de ojo seco, luego se hizo un re-test aplicando nuevamente la escala a las dos semanas, y finalmente se realizó la tabulación y análisis estadístico. Resultados: se identificaron 3 subescalas en el cuestionario OSDI (sintomatología, limitación para actividades diarias y afectación por condiciones ambientales). Se demostró una alta consistencia interna medida a través del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach tanto para el instrumento en general como para cada una de sus subescalas. De igual forma se obtuvo una excelente fiabilidad test-retest en una amplia muestra de pacientes. El OSDI también demostró excelente validez al discriminar de manera efectiva los grados de severidad de la enfermedad de superficie ocular y su afectación en la calidad de vida de los pacientes entre normal, leve a moderada y severa determinada por la escala de color y puntuación. Conclusiones: la escala OSDI es un instrumento válido y fiable que permite su aplicación a la población del servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital Simón Bolívar con diagnóstico de enfermedad de superficie ocular con el cual se obtendrán datos de gran importancia para el abordaje y manejo de cada uno de los pacientes.

Introduction: Ocular surface disease, as it is currently knows the dry eye syndrome, is one of the more common complaint at ophthalmic consultations; it has several symptoms with significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Objective: to validate transculturally the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire in patients diagnosed with dry eye syndrome seen in the ophthalmology service in the Hospital Simon Bolivar, Bogota, Colombia. Materials and Methods: The OSDI questionnaire translation was done, and was considered and reviewed by experts in the cornea area. Then it was applied to 132 patients with dry eye diagnosis, then a re-test was applied again at two weeks. The tabulation and statistical analysis was performed. Results: 3 subscales were identified in the questionnaire OSDI (symptoms, limitations to daily activities and involvement by environmental conditions). High internal consistency was demonstrated through the Cronbach's alpha for both the instrument in general and for each of its subscales. Similarly, excellent test-retest reliability was obtained in a large sample of patients. OSDI questionary also showed excellent validity to effectively discriminate the degrees of severity of ocular surface disease and its effect on the quality of life of patients between normal, mild to moderate and severe determined by the color scale and punctuation. Conclusions: OSDI scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be applied to the patients from the Ophtalmology Department at Hospital Simon Bolivar, diagnosed with ocular surface disease and will provide important data to consider in the clinical management.

The Effects of Lower Lid Laxity to the Response of Dry Eye Treatments

PURPOSE: To compare the response of dry eye treatment in patients divided by the degree of lower lid laxity. METHODS: Thirty patients were classified into three groups - normal, moderate and severe, according to the degree of lower lid laxity. Tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test (ST), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores and changes in OSDI score in each group were compared before and at 3 months after the treatment. RESULTS: TBUT, ST and OSDI scores were not different among the three groups at baseline. TBUT improved to 6.60 +/- 1.43, 6.0 +/- 2.54 and 6.0 +/- 1.45 sec in normal, moderate and severe lower lid laxity group, respectively at 3 months after the treatment and no difference among the groups was found. ST scores did not increase after the treatment, while OSDI scores improved to 12.20 +/- 1.40, 16.10 +/- 4.63 and 20.80 +/- 4.52 in each group, respectively and they were significantly different (p = 0.029, 0.029, <0.001, respectively). The response to the dry eye treatment as assessed by changes in OSDI scores was poorer in patients in the severe lower lid laxity group (p = 0.019 vs. moderate laxity group, <0.01 vs. normal group). CONCLUSIONS: As the degree of lower lid laxity increases, the response to dry eye treatment becomes poorer even when TBUT increases.

Tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina al 0.05 en pacientes con síndrome de disfunción lagrimal moderado / Treatment with epinastine hydrochloride to 0.05 in patients with moderate tear dysfunction syndrome

Antihistamínicos como el clorhidrato de epinastina tienen actividad antinflamatoria y podrían usarse como tratamiento del síndrome de ojo seco. Objetivo: evaluar los cambios en la sintomatología, película lagrimal y superficie ocular antes y después del tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina en pacientes con síndrome de ojo seco. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio piloto doble ciego en 20 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de ojo seco moderado. Un ojo de cada paciente recibió tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina al 0,05 % y el otro recibió hialuronato de sodio al 0,4 %. Los dos ojos recibieron suplemento lagrimal con hialuronato de sodio al 0,4 %. La dosis de tratamiento fue una gota tres veces al día por 45 días. Antes del tratamiento y 30 y 45 días después, se aplicó cuestionario validado para ojo seco (osdi), test de Schirmer 1, but y lisamina verde. Se aplicó la prueba t de Student y rangos de Wilcoxon. Resultados: se encontró un mejoría estadísticamente significativa en sintomatología a l s 30 días de intervención con epinastina (p = 0,000) y 45 días (p = 0,0000). En la superficie ocular hubo mejoría clínica y significativa estadísticamente a los 45 días (p = 0,0001). No se encontraron cambios significativos en la calidad ni en la cantidad de la película lagrimal. La reducción en la sintomatología y el grado de tinción con la epinastina a los 45 días fue estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) con respecto al grupo control. Conclusión: la combinación clorhidrato de epinastina al 0,05% y hialuronato de sodio al 0,4% mejora la sintomatología y la superficie ocular en los pacientes con ojo seco moderado. Tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina al 0,05 % en pacientes con síndrome de disfunción lagrimal moderado.

Treatment with Epinastine Hydrochloride to 0.05% in Patients with Moderate Tear Dysfunction Syndrome Antihistamines such as epinastine hydrochloride have anti-inflammatory activity and could be used as a treatment for dry eye syndrome. Objective: To assess changes in symptoms, tear film and ocular surface before and after treatment with epinastine hydrochloride in patients with dry eye syndrome. Materials and methods: A double-blind pilot study was carried out in 20 patients with clinical diagnosis of moderate dry eye. One eye of each patient was treated with 0.05% of epinastine hydrochloride and the other received 0.4% of sodium hyaluronate. Both eyes received tear supplement with 0.4% of sodium hyaluronate. The treatment dose was one drop three times a day for 45 days. Before treatment and 30 and 45 days after, the validated questionnaire for dry eye (osdi), the Schirmer 1 Test, but and lissamine green were used. The Student’s t test and Wilcoxon ranges were used. Results: A statistically significant improvement in symptoms after 30 days of the intervention with epinastine was found (p = 0.000) and after 45 days (p = 0.0000).In the ocular surface there was clinically and statistically significant improvement after 45 days (p = 0.0001). No significant changes were found in quality or quantity of the tear film. The reduction in symptoms and in the degree of staining with epinastine after 45 days was statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Conclusion: The combination of epinastine hydrochloride 0.05% and sodium hyaluronate 0.4% improves symptoms and the ocular surface in patients with moderate dry eye.

Preliminary Effects of Oral Uridine on the Ocular Surface in Dry Eye Patients

We designed a randomized, double blinded, 3-months controlled prospective clinical study to investigate effects of oral uridine on the ocular surface in dry eye patients. Twenty-seven patients who diagnosed as dry eye with lower than 5 mm of wetting in the Schirmer strip, with corneal epithelial erosion and who completely followed-up till 3 months were enrolled. Corneal-conjunctival fluorescein staining, non-anesthetic Schirmer test, impression cytology, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were evaluated in the experimental and placebo groups at the baseline, 1 and 3 months after start of medication in a double blinded manner. Fluorescein stain score of the cornea was markedly decreased in oral uridine group compared to the placebo group at 3 months after medication (P=0.032, Mann-Whitney U test). The Schirmer wetting score for the oral uridine group was significantly increased (P=0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test) at 3 months and its difference between two groups was statistically significant (P=0.030, Mann-Whitney U test). OSDI scores were significantly decreased at 1 and 3 months in treatment group. Oral uridine is effective in treatment of dry eyes.