Changes in Tear Lipid Layer Thickness and Symptoms Following the Use of Artificial Tears with and Without Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Crossover Study.
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ABSTRACT: Purpose:To determine if an eye drop containing omega-3 fatty acids (Refresh Optive MEGA-3®, Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) increases the lipid layer thickness (LLT) of the tear film versus a non-emollient eye drop (Refresh Optive, Allergan plc). Methods:Patients (?30 years) with baseline LLT ?75 nm completed the Current Symptoms Survey (CSS - a visual analog survey of dry eye symptoms), and LLT was measured pre- and post-instillation (15 and 60 mins) of their randomly assigned treatment. After washout, patients were tested with the other treatment. Primary endpoint: change in LLT from baseline. Secondary endpoint: CSS results. Results:Of 21 patients enrolled, 19 completed the study. With the omega-3-containing eye drop, the mean (standard deviation) LLT increase from baseline at 15 mins was statistically significant in the overall field (8.8 [11.5] nm; P<0.001), and in each individual zone (superior, central, and inferior). At 1 hr, the LLT change from baseline was statistically significant overall (4.4 [9.7] nm; P<0.02) and in the inferior and central zones. With the aqueous eye drop, LLT change from baseline was only significant at 15 mins in the inferior field. The CSS analysis revealed a ?8.68-unit decrease in mean average dryness score from baseline at 15 and 60 mins post-instillation of the lipid-based treatment (P?0.03). Conclusion:The eye drop containing omega-3 fatty acids increased LLT at 15 mins, maintaining it at 1 hr post-instillation. Dryness symptoms also improved and maintained improved levels 1 hr after instillation, indicating that the product may benefit symptomatic patients with evaporative dry eye.
SUBMITTER: Fogt JS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6930022 | biostudies-literature | 2019
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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