Effect of the traditional Chinese medicine fumigation combined with the meibomian gland squeezer for treatment of dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction

Background:To observe the effect of traditional Chinese medicine fumigation combined with the meibomian gland squeezer for the treatment of dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).Methods:This is a randomized,controlled,non-masked,single-center study.Seventy-four cases(74 eyes)of dry eye associated with MGD were randomly divided into two groups.Thirty-seven patients were chosen as the treatment group was treated by the traditional Chinese medicine fumigation 3 times a week combined with the meibomian gland squeezer once a week for one month.The other 37 cases were sorted as the control group and only treated with the meibomian gland squeezer once a week for one month.Both groups received the primary treatment for 1 month,including Tobradex eye ointment once a day and 0.1%sodium hyaluronate eye drops 4-6 times daily.Patients were evaluated at baseline and 2-week and 1-month visits for the ocular symptom scores,international ocular surface disease index(OSDI),fluorescein tear break-up time(TBUT),corneal fluorescein staining test(CFS),Schirmer I test,meibum quality and meibum expressibility.Results:Sixty-seven patients were followed in the study,and the mean age was 57(±12.6)years.Thirty-three patients(11 males)in the treatment group and 34 patients(8 males)in the control group were followed in the study,and the mean age of the two groups was 45.36±15.02 years and 43.68±13.43 years,respectively.Before treatment,there was no significant difference between the two groups in gender,age,ocular symptom scores,OSDI,TBUT,CFS,Schirmer I test,meibum quality,and meibum expressibility(P>0.05).Compared with baseline,the 2 groups had different degrees of improvement in the ocular symptom scores,OSDI,TBUT,CFS,meibum quality,and meibum expressibility at the 2-week and 1-month visits(P<0.05),and the treatment group showed a more significant improvement in the ocular symptom scores,OSDI,TBUT,CFS,meibum quality and meibum expressibility compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,no serious adverse events were observed in each group.Conclusions:The traditional Chinese medicine fumigation combined with the meibomian gland squeezer may be safe,effective,and helpful for the treatment of dry eye associated with MGD.

Clinical Observation of Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Eye Gel Combined with Tobramycin Dexamethasone Eye Drops in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients after Cataract Surgery

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor(rbFGF)eye gel combined with tobramycin-dexamethasone(TOB-Dex)eye drops on dry eye syndrome(DES)after cataract surgery.Methods:86 patients with DES after cataract surgery,admitted from November 2021 to November 2023,were randomly divided into groups.The observation group included 43 patients treated with rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops.The reference group included 43 patients treated with TOB-Dex eye drops alone.Multiple indicators,including total effective rate and clinical symptom scores,were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than in the reference group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no differences in clinical symptom scores,serum factors,or disease severity scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Three weeks after treatment,the observation group had lower clinical symptom scores,serum factors,and disease severity scores compared to the reference group(P<0.05).The adverse reaction rate in the observation group was lower than in the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops can improve the clinical efficacy for patients with DES after cataract surgery,alleviate disease symptoms,reduce inflammatory responses,and have fewer adverse reactions.

Different concentrations of hyaluronic acid eye drops for dry eye syndrome: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM:To compare high or low concentration of hyaluronic acid eye drops(HY)for dry eye syndromes(DES).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)comparing various concentrations of HY were searched in PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane,SinoMed,CNKI,Wanfang Database,CQVIP,and Chinese journals databases between inception and July 2023.Pooled standardized mean differences(SMD)or weighted mean difference(WMD)with 95%confidence intervals(CI)from RCTs evaluating Schirmer’s I test(SIT),corneal fluorescein staining score(CFS),tear breakup time(TBUT),DES score(DESS),and Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)were calculated.Sensitivity analysis,Egger’s test and Meta-regression analysis were performed for all indicators.RESULTS:We conducted a Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria,involving 1796 cases.High-concentrations group significantly improved the outcome of CFS according to random effects modelling(SMD,-3.37;95%CI,-5.25 to-1.48;P=0.0005).The rest of the results were not statistically significant,including indicators such as SIT,TBUT,DESS and OSDI.CONCLUSION:For dry eyes with positive corneal staining,a high concentration of HY is recommended,whereas in other cases,a high concentration of HY does not offer a more pronounced advantage over a low concentration of HY in the treatment of dry eyes.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire

AIM:To psychometrically validate the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire(DEQSCHN)among Chinese patients with dry eye.METHODS:This study involved 231 participants,including 191 with dry eye disease(DED)comprising the dry eye disease group,and 40 healthy participants forming the control group.Participants were required to complete the DEQS-CHN,and Chinese dry eye questionnaire and undergo clinical tests including the fluorescein breakup time(FBUT),corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),and Schirmer I test.To assess the internal consistency and retest reliability,Cronbach’sαand the intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)were employed.Content validity was assessed by item-level content validity index(ICV)and an average scale-level content validity index(S-CVI/Ave).Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis.The concurrent validity was assessed by calculating correlations between DEQS-CHN and Chinese dry eye questionnaire.Discriminative validity was evaluated through nonparametric tests,with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve serving as conclusive indicators of the questionnaire’s distinguishing capability.RESULTS:The Cronbach’sαcoefficients for frequency and degree of ocular symptoms,impact on daily life,and summary score were 0.736,0.704,0.811,0.818,0.861,and 0.860,respectively,and the ICC were 0.611,0.677,0.715,0.769,0.711,and 0.779,respectively.All I-CVI scores ranged from 0.833 to 1.000,with an S-CVI/Ave of 0.956.Confirmatory factor analysis results exhibited a wellfitting model consistent with the original questionnaire[χ^(2)/df=2.653,incremental fit index(IFI)=0.924,comparative fit index(CFI)=0.924,Tucker-Lewis index(TLI)=0.909,and root mean square error of approximation(RMSEA)=0.065].There was a moderate positive correlation between the DEQS-CHN and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire(r^(2)=0.588).The dry eye group demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to the control group,and the area under the curve(AUC)value was 0.8092.CONCLUSION:The DEQS-CHN has been demonstrated as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the impact of dry eye disease on the quality of life among Chinese individuals with DED.

Dual‑Atom Nanozyme Eye Drops Attenuate Inflammation and Break the Vicious Cycle in Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease(DED)is a major ocular pathology worldwide,causing serious ocular discomfort and even visual impairment.The incidence of DED is gradually increasing with the highfrequency use of electronic products.Although inflammation is core cause of the DED vicious cycle,reactive oxygen species(ROS)play a pivotal role in the vicious cycle by regulating inflammation from upstream.Therefore,current therapies merely targeting inflammation show the failure of DED treatment.Here,a novel dual-atom nanozymes(DAN)-based eye drops are developed.The antioxidative DAN is successfully prepared by embedding Fe and Mn bimetallic single-atoms in N-doped carbon material and modifying it with a hydrophilic polymer.The in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate the DAN is endowed with superior biological activity in scavenging excessive ROS,inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation,decreasing proinflammatory cytokines expression,and suppressing cell apoptosis.Consequently,the DAN effectively alleviate ocular inflammation,promote corneal epithelial repair,recover goblet cell density and tear secretion,thus breaking the DED vicious cycle.Our findings open an avenue to make the DAN as an intervention form to DED and ROSmediated inflammatory diseases.

Influencing factors of self-management ability among dry eye patients in west China

AIM:To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of self-management ability in dry eye patients in west China.METHODS:A total of 265 patients clinically diagnosed with dry eye received a convenience survey questionnaire at West China Hospital of Sichuan University.All participants completed the rating scale of health self-management skill for adults(AHSMSRS),Huaxi Emotional-Distress Index(HEI),e-health literacy scale(e-HEALS)and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire(Brief-IPQ).A generalized linear model was employed to establish a multivariate linear model with demographic data,psychological state,e-HEALS,and illness perception as independent variables and health selfmanagement skill score as the dependent variable.RESULTS:The mean score for health self-management skill was 165.58±15.79.Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age,better illness perception and improved psychological state were associated with better health selfmanagement ability among dry eye patients.Furthermore,the health self-management ability of patients with a disease duration less than 1y was found to be higher compared to those with a disease duration exceeding 1y.CONCLUSION:The health self-management ability of dry eye patients in west China is relatively high.Age,duration of disease,illness perception and psychological state are the influencing factors on the health selfmanagement ability of dry eye patients.

Evaluation of dry eye disease symptomatology and mental health status among patients with different COVID-19 statuses

AIM:To evaluate dry eye disease(DED)symptomatology and mental health status in different COVID-19 patients.METHODS:A cross-sectional observational design was used.Totally 123 eligible adults(46.34%of men,age range,18-59y)with COVID-19 included in the study from August to November,2022.Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI),Five-item Dry Eye Questionnaire(DEQ-5),Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS),and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)were used in this study.RESULTS:OSDI scores were 6.82(1.25,15.91)in asymptomatic carriers,7.35(2.50,18.38)in mild cases,and 16.67(4.43,28.04)in recurrent cases,with 30.00%,35.56%,and 57.89%,respectively evaluated as having DED symptoms(χ2=7.049,P=0.029).DEQ-5 score varied from 2.00(0,6.00)in asymptomatic carriers,3.00(0,8.00)in mild cases,and 8.00(5.00,10.00)in recurrent cases,with 27.50%,33.33%,and 55.26%,respectively assessed as having DED symptoms(χ2=8.532,P=0.014).The prevalence of clinical anxiety(50.00%)and depression(47.37%)symptoms were also significantly higher in patients with recurrent infection(χ2=24.541,P<0.001;χ2=30.871,P<0.001).Recurrent infection was a risk factor for high OSDI scores[odds ratio,2.562;95%confidence interval(CI),1.631-7.979;P=0.033]and DEQ-5 scores(odds ratio,3.353;95%CI,1.038-8.834;P=0.043),whereas having a fixed occupation was a protective factor for OSDI scores(odds ratio,0.088;95%CI,0.022-0.360;P=0.001)and DEQ-5 scores(odds ratio,0.126;95%CI,0.039-0.405;P=0.001).CONCLUSION:Patients with recurrent COVID-19 have more severe symptoms of DED,anxiety,and depression.

Dry eye rate and its relationship with disease stage in patients with primary hypertension:a cross-sectional study in Vietnam

AIM:To determine the dry eye(DE)rate and its relationship with disease stage in patients with primary hypertension.METHODS:A cross-sectional study included 432 patients with primary hypertension(with an equal number of patients in each group:144 in stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ hypertension)and 144 healthy subjects as a control group.The Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)and Schirmer Ⅰ test without anesthetics were conducted on all 576 subjects.Subjects with OSDI scores<13 and Schirmer Ⅰ values equal to or under 10 mm were diagnosed with DE.RESULTS:The ratio of DE in hypertension patients was higher than in the control group(41.7%versus 18.8%;P<0.001).The proportion of patients with DE increased gradually according to the hypertension stage:27.1% in stage Ⅰ,40.3% in stage Ⅱ,and 57.6% in stage Ⅲ,P<0.001.Age,duration of hypertension,plasma urea,creatinine,and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(CRP-hs)levels in hypertension patients with DE were higher than those without DE,P<0.001.Advanced age,a long duration of hypertension,diabetes mellitus,elevated plasma creatinine,and CRP-hs levels were independent factors associated with DE in primary hypertension patients,P<0.001.CONCLUSION:DE is a common disorder associated with advanced age,a long duration of hypertension,diabetes mellitus,elevated plasma CRP-hs,and creatinine levels in patients with primary hypertension.

Dry eye disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross sectional study

AIM:To explore ocular surface manifestations of dry eye disease(DED)and its influencing factors in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)patients.METHODS:Ophthalmological examinations were conducted in SLE patients(n=43)and controls(n=41),including Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI),objective scatter index(OSI),tear meniscus height(TMH),lipid layer thickness(LLT),non-invasive Keratograph tear breakup time(NIKBUT),corneal fluorescein score(CFS),Schirmer I test.DED was diagnosed according to the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II Criteria.SLE patients were further divided into DED group and non-DED group,the disease activity,clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations were compared between the two groups.The disease activity was evaluated by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000(SLEDAI-2K).Receiver operative characteristic(ROC)curve and multiplefactor binary logistic regression were performed.RESULTS:SLE patients showed higher OSDI[9.1(2.8-15.9)vs 6.3(2.2-7.5),P=0.035],higher OSI[1.67(1.09-2.60)vs 0.96(0.87-1.60),P=0.001],higher CFS[1(0-2)vs 0(0-1),P=0.001],lower LLT[65(42-100)vs 100(79.5-100),P=0.010],and lower NIKBUT[8.03(4.02-9.73)vs 9.67(5.26-12.71),P=0.030]than controls.The 32.6%of SLE patients had DED,which was higher than 12.2%of healthy controls.DED group showed higher SLEDAI-2K score[9.7±6.1 vs 5.4±3.4,P=0.025],higher anti-cardiolipin antibody(ACL)[8.7(3.5-13.2)vs 3.6(2.0-6.9),P=0.035],and higher proportion of patients with cutaneous eruption[42.9%vs 6.9%,P=0.015]than non-DED group.According to multiple-factor binary logistic regression analysis,the SLEDAI-2K score(OR=1.194,P=0.041)and cutaneous eruption(OR=7.094,P=0.045)could be consider as risk factors for DED in SLE patients.The ROC curve of the combined factors including age,disease duration,SLEDAI-2K score,ACL,and cutaneous eruption was analyzed,with a sensitivity of 0.786,a specificity of 0.793,and an area under curve of 0.820.CONCLUSION:Ocular surface affection is frequent in SLE patients,and patients with high disease activity and cutaneous eruption show increased risk of DED.

Assessment of tear film parameters post-treatment with commercial eyelid cleaning wipes:a pilot study

AIM:To investigate the short-term effects of commercially available eyelid-cleaning wipes on film parameters.METHODS:This study enrolled 48 healthy participants aged 20-35y(both males and females).Clinical assessment included the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire,non-invasive tear break-up time(NITBUT),tear meniscus height(TMH),and lipid layer pattern(LLP).Based on these initial results,participants were categorized as either non-dry eye or dry eye.Participants in each group were randomly allocated to either Blephaclean■or Systane■treatments.Changes in NITBUT,TMH,and LLP levels before and after lid wipe treatment were assessed.RESULTS:The dry eye group exhibited significantly higher OSDI scores and lower NITBUT and TMH levels than in the non-dry eye group(P<0.001).Following the application of eyelid wipes(Systane■wipes),dry eye subjects experienced a significant improvement in NITBUT levels(P=0.0014)compared to the non-dry eye individuals.Although the remaining participants showed a marginal increase in TMH and NITBUT levels,these changes did not achieve statistical significance(P>0.05).Similarly,the LLP levels were significantly improved with Systane■(P<0.001)post-treatment compared to individuals in the non-dry eye group.However,the dry eye subjects showed higher posttreatment LLP levels than the untreated group(P<0.02).CONCLUSION:The short-term effects of Systane®eyelid wipes on tear film parameters suggest their effectiveness in dry eye disease.Nonetheless,further exploration of their long-term impact is essential to justify their cost effectiveness and efficacy in treating both aqueous deficiency and evaporative dryness.

Analyze interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels in dry eye and the therapeutic effect of cyclosporine A

BACKGROUND Dry eye is a common eye disease.Artificial tears supplements are widely used for the treatment of dry eyes.However,multiple adverse effects have been observed in patients receiving long-term treatment with artificial tears,which may affect the therapeutic effect.AIM To analyze the characteristics of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels in patients with dry eye and the therapeutic effect of artificial tears combined with cyclosporine A.METHODS A total of 124 dry eye patients treated at The First People’s Hospital of Xining from April 2020 to April 2022 were selected as the observation group,while 20 healthy individuals served as the control group during the same period.Levels of inflammatory markers,including IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,were analyzed.The observation group was further divided into a study group and a control group,each consisting of 62 patients.The control group received artificial tears,whereas the study group received a combination of artificial tears and cyclosporine A.Inflammatory markers,Schirmer’s test(SIT),tear break-up time(TBUT),corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25)scores,and adverse events(AEs)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αin comparison to the healthy group.Following treatment,the study group demonstrated substantial reductions in IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels relative to the control group.Moreover,after treatment,the study group experienced a marked decrease in CFS scores and significant increases in both SIT and BUT levels when compared to the control group.Additionally,significant improvements were observed in the primary symptom of dry eye and secondary symptoms such as photophobia,foreign body sensation,fatigue,red eye,and burning sensation within the study group.Furthermore,post-treatment NEI-VFQ-25 scores across all dimensions exhibited significant enhancements in the study group compared to the control group(P<0.05).It is noteworthy that significant AEs were reported in both groups throughout the treatment period.CONCLUSION Cyclosporine A combined with artificial tears is effective in treating dry eye,yielding enhanced outcomes by improving SIT and TBUT levels,reducing CFS scores,and ameliorating vision-related quality of life.

Targeting Nrf2 signaling in dry eye

Dry eye,the most common ocular surface disease,can cause ocular surface tissue damage and discomfort symptoms and seriously affect people’s quality of life.The etiology of dry eye is diverse,and its pathogenesis is complex.The oxidative stress reaction is considered to be among the important factors in the pathogenesis of dry eye.Therefore,activating the antioxidant system has a potential therapeutic effect on dry eye.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling pathway is considered the most important antioxidant pathway in the body.The activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and its interaction with other pathways are important mechanisms to prevent the occurrence and development of dry eye.This review describes the structure and function of Nrf2,summarizes the changes in the oxidative stress response in dry eye,focuses on the potential mechanism of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the treatment of dry eye,and,finally,summarizes the drugs that activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the treatment of dry eye.

Efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor plus sodium hyaluronate eye drops in diabetic dry eye post-cataract surgery

BACKGROUND Dry eye syndrome(DES)after diabetic cataract surgery can seriously affect the patient’s quality of life.Therefore,effective alleviation of symptoms in patients with this disease has important clinical significance.AIM To explore the clinical effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF)plus sodium hyaluronate(SH)eye drops on DES after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients with diabetes who experienced DES after cataract surgery at Tianjin Beichen Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University between April 2021 and April 2023.They were classified into an observation group(42 cases,rhEGF+SH eye drops)and a control group(40 cases,SH eye drops alone),depending on the different treatment schemes.The therapeutic efficacy,dry eye symptom score,tear film breakup time(TFBUT),basic tear secretion score[assessed using Schirmer I test(SIt)],corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,tear inflammatory markers,adverse reactions during treat-ment,and treatment satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Therapeutic efficacy was higher in the observation group compared with the control group.Both groups showed improved TFBUT and dry eye,as well as improved SIt and FL scores after treatment,with a more pronounced improvement in the observation group.Although no marked differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups,treatment satisfaction was higher in the observation group.CONCLUSION rhEGF+SH eye drops rendered clinical benefits to patients by effectively ameliorating dry eye and visual impairment with favorable efficacy,fewer adverse reactions,and high safety levels.Thus,this treatment should be promoted in clinical practice.

Lid scrubbing with a gel combining natural extracts for dry eye treatment

AIM:To evaluate the effect of lid scrubbing using a gel combining different natural extracts on ocular signs and symptoms of dry eye patients.METHODS:A retrospective study was performed on 19 dry eye patients(51.1±16.0y).Non-invasive tear break-up time,tear meniscus height,meibomian gland loss,lipid layer thickness,conjunctival redness,corneal staining,ocular surface disease index(OSDI),and ocular pain intensity were measured before(baseline),1wk,and 2mo after lid scrubbing with a gel containing different natural extracts(okra extract,aloe vera leaf juice,hydrolysed soy protein,caffeine,citrus unshiu peel extract,and raspberry seed oil).RESULTS:Compared with the baseline,there was a statistically significant improvement in both first(P=0.048)and average(P=0.026)non-invasive tear break-up time 2mo after treatment,as well as in corneal staining(P=0.043,0.012),OSDI(P<0.001),and ocular pain intensity(P<0.001)after 1wk and 2mo.In addition,there was no correlation between ocular signs and symptoms.CONCLUSION:The lid scrubbing with a gel combining different natural extracts show beneficial effects on tear film stability,corneal damage,and ocular symptoms,which is the reason why this therapeutic procedure is proposed as an alternative for dry eye management.However,it is not possible to attribute this beneficial effect solely to the presence of the natural extracts in the gel,primarily due to the absence of a negative control group.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Dry Eyes Syndrome in Glaucomatous Patients on Anti-Glaucoma Eye Drops Followed up at the Garoua Regional Hospital-Northern Cameroon

Background: Dry eye and glaucoma are two common pathologies in the elderly, and are very often associated. This association suggests a link between them and between their treatments. Our purpose for this study is to determine the prevalence of dry eye in our glaucoma patients treated with eye drops and deduce the factors associated with it. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study from October 2022 to September 2023 in the ophthalmology department of Garoua Regional Hospital in glaucoma patients aged over 15 years able to answer the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires and treated with antiglaucoma eye drops for more than 3 months. These patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination and a tear film break-up time test. Results: A total of 73 patients (146 eyes) were examined. The average age of the patients was 47.2 ± 16.5 years, with a male predominance of 54.8%. The prevalence of dry eye syndrome in our patients according to the OSDI score was 56.2% (95% CI) (44.8;67.6). The prevalence of dry eye syndrome on clinical examination of the BUT in the right eye was 83.7% (95% CI) (75.1;92.1) and 79.4% (70.2;88.7) in the left eye. The duration of antiglaucoma treatment was the factor associated with dry eye syndrome (p < 0.05) in glaucoma patients in our setting. Conclusion: Dry Eye Syndrome is common in glaucoma patients on drops in our setting. Treatment duration of more than 1 year seems to be associated with dry eyes.

A combined treatment for patients with dry eye and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux:a real-life approach

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.

Recent advance in natural plant products for treatment of dry eye disease

Dry eye disease(DED),a chronic multifactorial illness of the ocular surface with itching,burning,irritation,eye fatigue and ocular inflammation,may result in potential damage,such as cornea and conjunctiva,and even decreased vision.With the global prevalence of DED on the rise,it is crucial to find treatment options with minimal side effects.Natural plant products have shown promise in alleviating DED symptoms and may serve as a potential approach for its treatment.However,their application as instilled drugs is limited by solubility,stability and biological barriers.This review summarizes recent studies(published in the last 5 years)on natural plant products and their derivatives for the treatment of DED,focusing on efficacy,mechanism,drug delivery systems.Meanwhile,their shortcomings are also discussed.By exploring these aspects,we find polyphenol,flavonoid and others natural plant products can effectively improve or treat DED by different mechanisms,and suitable delivery system and structural modification can enhance their therapeutic effect,suggesting they are likely to become candidates for the treatment of DED.

Dynamic tear meniscus parameters in complete blinking:insights into dry eye assessment

AIM:To investigate the relationship between dynamic tear meniscus parameters and dry eye using an automated tear meniscus segmentation method.METHODS:The analysis of tear meniscus videos captured within 5s after a complete blink includes data from 38 participates.By processing video data,several key parameters including the average height of the tear meniscus at different lengths,the curvature of the tear meniscus’s upper boundary,and the total area of the tear meniscus in each frame were calculated.The effective values of these dynamic parameters were then linearly fitted to explore the relationship between their changing trends and dry eye disease.RESULTS:In 94.74%of the samples,the average height of central tear meniscus increased over time.Moreover,97.37%of the samples exhibited an increase in the overall tear meniscus height(TMH)and area from the nasal to temporal side.Notably,the central TMH increased at a faster rate compared to the nasal side with the temporal side showing the slowest ascent.Statistical analysis indicates that the upper boundary curvature of the whole tear meniscus as well as the tear meniscus of the nasal side(2,3,and 4 mm)aid in identifying the presence of dry eye and assessing its severity.CONCLUSION:This study contributes to the understanding of tear meniscus dynamics as potential markers for dry eye,utilizing an automated and non-invasive approach that has implications for clinical assessment.

Rabbit models of dry eye disease: comparative analysis

AIM:To report ocular changes in rabbits after the implementation of three different induction methods to create dry eye(DE)conditions and provides evidence of DErelated disease evolution.METHODS:Experimental methods were divided into 3 models.The first model used involved triple injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant,50µL each,also called the meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)model.In the second model,DE conditions were created by the resection of nictitating membranes(NM),Harderian glands(HG),and main lacrimal glands(LG),also called the LGR model.The third model involved the topical administration of benzalkonium chloride(BAK)0.1%solution.The Schirmer test,ocular surface staining with fluorescein,and tear breakup time tests were implemented before and after excision.After euthanasia,the ocular tissues were dissected.Cornea,conjunctiva,and meibomian glands were treated with periodic acid–Schiff(PAS)staining and haematoxylin–eosin staining.RESULTS:The MGD model triggered inflammation of meibomian glands.It detected changes in the lipid layer of the tear film.The bilateral resection of NM,HG,and LG reduced the watering layer of the tear film.The topical administration of BAK of 0.1%solution impacted the mucosal layer of the tear film.CONCLUSION:Different changes are observed with different DE syndrome models.The composition of the tear film differ depending on which part of the eye is targeted.More studies need to be done to confirm whether an increased thickness of the cornea has any impact on the DE disease.

Analysis of postoperative ocular surface changes and intervention effect after pars plana vitrectomy in meibomian gland dysfunction dry eye patients

AIM:To observe ocular surface changes after phacovitrectomy in patients with mild to moderate meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)-type dry eye and track clinical treatment response using a Keratograph 5M and a Lipi View interferometer.METHODS:Forty cases were randomized into control group A and treatment group B;the latter received meibomian gland treatment 3d before phacovitrectomy and sodium hyaluronate before and after surgery.The average non-invasive tear film break-up time(NITBUTav),first noninvasive tear film break-up time(NITBUTf),non-invasive measured tear meniscus height(NTMH),meibomian gland loss(MGL),lipid layer thickness(LLT)and partial blink rate(PBR)were measured preoperatively and 1wk,1 and 3mo postoperatively.RESULTS:The NITBUTav values of group A at 1wk(4.38±0.47),1mo(6.76±0.70),and 3mo(7.25±0.68)were significantly lower than those of group B(7.45±0.78,10.46±0.97,and 11.31±0.89;P=0.002,0.004,and 0.001,respectively).The NTMH values of group B at 1wk(0.20±0.01)and 1mo(0.22±0.01)were markedly higher than those of group A(0.15±0.01 and 0.15±0.01;P=0.008 and P<0.001,respectively);however,there was no difference at 3mo.The LLT of group B at 3mo[91.5(76.25-100.00)]significantly exceeded that of group A[65.00(54.50-91.25),P=0.017].No obvious intergroup difference was found in MGL or PBR(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Mild to moderate MGD dry eye worsens in the short term after phacovitrectomy.Preoperative cleaning,hot compresses,and meibomian gland massage as well as preoperative and postoperative sodium hyaluronate promote the rapid recovery of tear film stability.