European Dry Eye Society Congress 2026: real-world evidence on Artelac Complete in dry eye disease

Piotr A. Woźniak, MD, PhD, discussed real-world findings on Artelac Complete (AC), a preservative-free lubricating eye drop, presented at the European Dry Eye Society Congress 2026 in Milan, Italy. Woźniak said the retrospective, multi-country study aimed to bridge the gap between controlled clinical trials and day-to-day patient outcomes in dry eye disease (DED), focusing on unmet needs and symptom severity in real-world populations.

The analysis, conducted with eye care practitioners (ECPs) across several countries, included more than 50 cases, with 6 ECPs also completing a satisfaction survey. Woźniak noted that DED is a complex, multifactorial condition often involving a significant evaporative component, and said AC's multi-ingredient formulation, including lipids alongside hyaluronate, was associated with tear film stabilisation rather than only short-term symptom relief, providing sustained relief. He highlighted findings on how ECPs are using lubricating drops in practice, including in patients undergoing refractive surgery, where ocular surface integrity affects visual outcomes. Woźniak said the drops stabilised the ocular surface quickly, with break-up time and Schirmer test scores nearly doubling from baseline, though he cautioned the results remain preliminary as enrolment continues.

Reflecting on the broader congress, which drew more than 700 attendees, Woźniak said he valued exchanging perspectives with other specialists on ocular surface disease, including conditions affecting smaller patient populations that still cause significant suffering. He noted there is no single answer to managing DED and pointed to digital screen use as an increasingly common contributor to ocular surface complaints.