A clinical study of slow-releasing artificial tears.

The slow-releasing artificial tear (SR-AT) is a soluble polymer in solid form. Placed in the inferior cul-de-sac and allowed to dissolve, it is used to treat dry-eye patients. The SR-AT was studied in two phases. The short-term cross-over study of 40 patients was completed in October 1976. The long-term open study is still in progress. Of 37 patients who started the long-term study, 18 are still using the inserts-a study retention of 49%.