Topical Osmoprotectant for the Management of Postrefractive Surgery-Induced Dry Eye Symptoms: A Randomised Controlled Double-Blind Trial.

BACKGROUND

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common complications following refractive surgery.

PURPOSE

Evaluate the efficacy of an osmoprotective eye drop (Optive®) for the management of induced DED in refractive surgery patients.

DESIGN

Double-masked randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

Twenty-two refractive surgery patients oriented to apply FreshTears (FT; = 13) or Optive (Op; = 9), topically, QID, for 3 months. Eye exams were performed before surgery (T0) and 1-month (T1) and 3-month (T3) follow-up and consisted of tear film osmolarity, Schirmer 1 test, tear film breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and patient symptoms questionnaires.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain and osmolarity.

RESULTS

Pain increased significantly for FT at T3 ( < 0.05). A reduction in osmolarity was observed at T1 and T3 for Op group ( < 0.01) and at T3 for FT group ( < 0.05). TBUT showed a decrease between T0 and T1 for FT ( < 0.05). Schirmer 1 values increased significantly for Op in T1.

CONCLUSIONS

Op was superior to FT in regard to pain, osmolarity, TBUT, and Schirmer 1. Osmoprotectant solutes, such as L-carnitine, could attenuate inflammation and secondary DED. Osmoprotective lubricants can be effectively applied for the prevention of refractive surgery-related dry eye symptoms and signs.