Emulsion drops are most effective for improving tear stability

Administering emulsion drops in dry eye patients improves tear stability and decreases osmolarity and corneal staining, revealed a study in Cornea.

The investigation, led by Dr Louise McCann, Department of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK, included 75 dry eye patients who were randomized into 3 groups. Each subject received either sodium hyaluronate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or emulsion drops four times daily for 90 days. At days 7 and 60 a compliance visit was conducted.

In all groups a significant improvement in evaporation and all symptoms was recorded. However, there were no significant findings in tear turnover rate (TTR) for any of the three solutions.

In the emulsion and sodium hyaluronate group there was a significant difference in tear stability and non-invasive tear break-up time. The emulsion group demonstrated a significant decrease in osmolarity and corneal staining.

All therapy groups presented with a significant reduction in evaporation, although there was no significant changes in TTR demonstrated in any of the groups. The results suggest that long-term use of emulsion drops demonstrates consistency with lipid layer tear film improvements.