title: [Effect of vasoconstrictor eyedrops on tear volume and tear secretion].
abstract: Vasoconstrictive, alpha-sympathicomimetic eye drops are ophthalmic drugs that are extensively used. However, patients often complain of typical dry eye symptoms, especially after long-lasting application of such eye drops. In the present study, the effect of sympathicomimetic eye drops (oxymetazoline 0.026%) on the tear volume and tear flow of 16 healthy individuals was determined quantitatively by means of objective fluorophotometry. Both tear volume and tear flow were found to be significantly (p less than 0.001) decreased 3 h after instillation (tear volume: -52%; tear flow: -31%). Thus, alpha-sympathicomimetic eye drops containing oxymetazoline 0.026% lead to marked and protracted decrease in tear volume and tear flow. After frequent or long-lasting application, this fact may be responsible for severe dry eye conditions.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Augenklinik, Bonn 1. Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Göbbels
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Achten
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spitznas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000098:blood supply*; D015590:Fluorophotometry; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010109:Oxymetazoline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D010109:Oxymetazoline
vernacular_title: Einfluss vasokonstriktiver Augentropfen auf Tränenvolumen und Tränensekretion.