title: A comparative study of two preservative-free tear substitutes in the management of severe dry eye.
abstract: Between mid-May and mid-July 1987 we performed a prospective crossover study of two unit-dose preservative-free artificial tear solutions, 1.4% polyvinyl alcohol (Refresh) and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate (Hylorin) in 14 female patients with severe dry eye syndrome. The patients were examined before treatment and after each of two trials with both products. A significant reduction in the mean score for dry-eye-induced keratitis (p = 0.001) and for mucous strands (p = 0.03) was observed following the second of two trials with sodium hyaluronate. A significant reduction in the mean score for burning and irritation was observed with both solutions (p = 0.009). We believe that the elimination of preservatives from artificial tear preparations may substantially reduce the iatrogenic effects of these frequently applied medications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, University of Montreal.
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Laflamme
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Swieca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013666:Tears; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid