Prospective evaluation of hypromellose 2% for punctal occlusion in patients with dry eye.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of punctal occlusion using hypromellose 2% in patients with dry eye.

METHODS:

In this prospective, randomized single-blinded clinical trial, we evaluated 76 eyes of 38 patients (36 women and 2 men) with dry eye secondary to rheumatic diseases. In each patient, the lower lacrimal punctum of 1 eye was occluded using hypromellose 2%, whereas the contralateral eye underwent a simulation of the procedure (control group). Patients' eyes were assessed for burning, itching, redness, foreign body sensation, and tearing based on a visual scale questionnaire (score, 0-10). We also performed objective tests for evaluation of dry eye using a Schirmer test with anesthesia (basal tear secretion test), the tear film break-up time test, and fluorescein and rose bengal staining tests at 0, 28, and 56 days after treatment.

RESULTS:

Fluorescein and rose bengal staining tests showed that there was a significant reduction in signs after occlusion using hypromellose. The symptoms measured by the visual scale were significantly reduced. The values of the Schirmer test with anesthesia and the break-up time test increased significantly. The effects persisted for up to 8 weeks. There were no dropouts or reported side effects during the 24-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that punctal occlusion using hypromellose 2% is a low-cost and safe additional treatment for dry eye.

• Authors: Leonardo Capita, Maria R Chalita, Leopoldo Luiz dos Santos-Neto
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 34 Issue 2 Pg. 188-92 (Feb 2015) ISSN: 1536-4798 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25514700 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Fluorescent Dyes
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Rose Bengal
• Hypromellose Derivatives
• Fluorescein

Topics

• Dry Eye Syndromes (physiopathology, therapy)
• Eyelids
• Female
• Fluorescein
• Fluorescent Dyes
• Humans
• Hypromellose Derivatives (therapeutic use)
• Lacrimal Apparatus (drug effects, metabolism)
• Male
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Prospective Studies
• Rose Bengal
• Single-Blind Method
• Staining and Labeling
• Tears (physiology)