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Multi-ingredient artificial tear may manage post-LASIK dry eye
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A novel preservative-free multi-ingredient formulation of artificial tears showed comparable efficacy but superior benefit in uncorrected vision in the management of dry eye after LASIK vs. standard carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% treatment.
A total of 125 patients in 13 clinics in Canada and one clinic in Australia who completed the study received either the new formulation (Refresh Optive Fusion Sensitive, Allergan), which contains carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%, hyaluronic acid 0.1% and organic osmolytes (CMC-HA), or the standard treatment (Refresh Plus, Allergan) to manage post-LASIK dry eye signs and symptoms.
Drops were administered every hour in awake subjects for 2 days, then every 2 hours from day 2 to day 10, with progressive dosage lowering thereafter.
In both groups, the Ocular Surface Disease Index score increased after LASIK, peaking at day 10 and gradually decreasing over the 90-day follow-up. At 3 months, scores were comparable in both groups and no significant difference was seen in fluorescein staining, tear break-up time or subjective ocular symptoms. However, uncorrected distance visual acuity improved more rapidly in the CMC-HA group, reaching statistical significance at day 30 (P = .013).
“The HA polymer and other ingredients in the CMC-HA formulation may provide improved benefit to the postoperative corneal surface than the CMC-only formula,” the authors wrote. “The presence of HA may enhance recovery of the ocular surface epithelium, improve surface optics, and further promote visual recovery in comparison with the standard CMC eye drop.”
They suggested that this formulation should be considered as an alternative treatment option for the management of dry eye following LASIK. – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: Wallerstein reports receiving research funding for the conduct of the study. Please see the study for the other authors’ financial disclosures.
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