Emollient drops effective in dry eye study

NEW ORLEANS — An emollient-based topical tear substitute was “highly effective” in increasing the tear film’s lipid layer and resolving symptoms in patients with dry eye, according to a study presented here. The study was described in a poster by Jack V. Greiner, DO, PhD and colleague at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The topical drops, marketed as Soothe by Alimera Sciences, are designed to thicken the tear film’s lipid layer, according to the poster. By thickening the lipid layer, the drops minimize evaporation and the burning, redness and itching that accompany dry eye, the poster authors said.

Following a routine ophthalmologic exam, 100 patients with complaints of dry eye symptoms in both eyes completed an evaluation questionnaire. Tear film breakup time was measured in each patient, and the Schirmer test with anesthesia was performed using standard methods.

The metastable emulsion was instilled into both eyes of each subject. All patients were observed to have increased lipid layer thickness over baseline following instillation, the poster authors said.

“All subjects evidenced an increase in lipid layer thickness, symptoms decreased in 92% of subjects and blurring was present with 2%,” the poster said.