Efficacy of 3 different artificial tears for the treatment of dry eye in frequent computer users and/or contact lens users

Purpose. To compare the efficacy of 3 different artificial tears (AT) acting primarily in one of the 3 tear film layers (Tears Again (R), lipidic; Opticol (R), aqueous; Optive (R), mucin) in recovering the tear film changes in patients with dry eye symptoms due to external causes. Methods. A total of 27 patients, with dry eye symptoms associated with extra hours of computer or contact lenses use, were randomized to 4 treatment groups: A received Tears Again (R); B received Optive (R); C received Opticol (R); D received no treatment (control). Patients were observed in 3 visits: day 0, day 7, and day 30. Tear break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer tests and the Ocular Surface Disease Index were performed. Data analysis was performed. Results. There were no significant differences between the groups. From day 0 to day 30, there was a decrease in the number of eyes with abnormal TBUT (not significant) and Schirmer (significant in A, B, D; p<0.031). There was an increase in the average TBUT for all groups (significant in A, C; p<0.001) and a decrease in the average Schirmer value in groups B, C, and D (not significant) and an increase in group A (p=0.002). There was a decrease in the average Ocular Surface Disease Index value in all groups (p<0.045). Conclusions. All AT were efficient at recovering the tear film, but those acting primarily on the internal and intermediate layer led to a mild decline on lachrymal production. An association of different kinds of AT acting on each layer can be the best treatment for corneal surface diseases affecting eye lubrication.