Improved signs, symptoms, and quality of life associated with dry eye syndrome: hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert patient registry.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acceptability, ease of use, and efficacy of hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic inserts in reducing signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome (DES), and improving quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living (ADL).


METHODS
The multicenter, prospective, open-label, 4-week registry comprised 520 patients with bilateral DES and a history of artificial tear use, or a desire to use artificial tears within the previous week. Visit 1 encompassed a clinical evaluation and symptom and QoL questionnaires, including the Ocular Surface Disease Index. Patients were trained to use inserts, which were used once daily, thereafter, as monotherapy or with existing therapy. At visit 2, clinical evaluation and questionnaires evaluated changes in signs, symptoms, ADL, and QoL. Adverse events were monitored throughout the registry.


RESULTS
There were 418 (80.4%) completers. Statistically significant improvements in discomfort, burning, dryness, grittiness, stinging, and light sensitivity, as well as clinical signs of keratitis, conjunctival staining, and tear volume were seen (P<0.05). Mean Ocular Surface Disease Index total scores improved by 21.3% (P<0.05). Blurred vision, affecting 8.7% of patients, was the most commonly reported adverse event leading to discontinuation.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic inserts significantly improved signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe DES, as well as ADL and QoL. Benefits were additive to those seen with patients' existing care.
Koffler
Bruce H
BH
Koffler Vision Group, Lexington, KY 40509, USA. bkoffler@aol.com
McDonald
Marguerite
M
Nelinson
Donald S
DS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002482:Cellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012042:Registries; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D055815:Young Adult
D002482:Cellulose; C008079:hydroxypropylcellulose