Effects of two eye drop products on computer users with subjective ocular discomfort.
BACKGROUND
An increasing number of people seek medical attention for symptoms of visual discomfort due to computer vision syndrome (CVS). We compared the efficacy and adverse event rates of a new eye lubricant, OptiZen (InnoZen, Inc., polysorbate 80 0.5%) and Visine Original (Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%).


METHODS
In this double-blind parallel arm trial, 50 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 65 years, with symptoms of CVS who use a video display terminal for a minimum of 4 hours per day were randomized to OptiZen (n = 25) or Visine Original (n= 25), 1 to 2 drops b.i.d. for 5 days. The primary end-points were ocular discomfort and adverse events.


RESULTS
OptiZen and Visine Original had similar efficacy in alleviating symptoms of ocular discomfort (odds ratio of 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 0.63 to 2.42], P= 0.55). OptiZen and Visine Original were very similar with respect to odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each of the measurement times (P= 0.72). Visine Original users reported a significantly higher incidence of temporary ocular stinging/burning immediately after drug instillation (28%, 7/25) than did OptiZen users (4%, 1/24) (P= 0.05). Patients using OptiZen were 89% less likely to have stinging/burning effects than those patients using Visine Original (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.95).


CONCLUSIONS
OptiZen and Visine Original are effective at alleviating ocular discomfort associated with prolonged computer use. Adverse event findings suggest that OptiZen causes less ocular discomfort on instillation, potentially attributable to its milder ingredient profile.
Skilling
Francis C
FC
Eye Associates of Tallahassee, PA, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
Weaver
Tony A
TA
Kato
Kenneth P
KP
Ford
Jerry G
JG
Dussia
Elyse M
EM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001248:Asthenopia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016288:Computer Terminals; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011136:Polysorbates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D007093:Imidazoles; D011136:Polysorbates; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; C005810:tetrahydrozoline