A comparison of the effect of carbomer-, cellulose- and mineral oil-based artificial tear formulations.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy, safety, and local tolerance between carbomer-based artificial tears, cellulose-, and mineral oil-based artificial tears.


METHODS
A randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparative 28-day study was designed for 67 patients who were randomized into three treatment groups. Measurements included the scoring of total subjective symptoms and objective signs, Schirmer-Jones test values, and tear break-up time (BUT) at baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Safety of study treatment was also assessed. Outcomes measured at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks follow-up included the scoring of total subjective symptoms and objective signs, Schirmer-Jones test values, and tear BUT, subjective assessments, and safety.


RESULTS
There were no differences regarding total scores, Schirmer-Jones test, or tear BUT at baseline among these three groups at 2 and 4 weeks. Patients in all three treatment groups experienced a significant improvement from baseline in total scores and Schirmer-Jones test values after treatment. Subjective assessment was better with carbomer-based treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Each artificial tear formulation successfully relieved symptoms and signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The tolerance of carbomer-based artificial tears was comparable to that of cellulose- and mineral oil-based artificial tears.
Wang
I-J
IJ
Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan. ijong@ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw
Lin
I-C
IC
Hou
Y-C
YC
Hu
F-R
FR
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008899:Mineral Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D013666:Tears / Q000737:chemistry; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; C479038:carbomer; D008899:Mineral Oil; D002482:Cellulose