title: Effect of Korean Red Ginseng supplementation on dry eye syndrome in glaucoma patients - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many patients with glaucoma have difficulty using antiglaucoma eye drops because of dry eye symptom. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effect of Korean Red Ginseng on dry eye syndrome in patients with glaucoma treated with antiglaucoma eye drops.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-nine participants were allocated to the Korean Red Ginseng (3 g/day; n = 24) or placebo (n = 25) groups for 8 weeks. Tear film stability, fluorescein corneal staining, conjunctival hyperemia, tear production, grade of meibomian gland dysfunction, and dry eye questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index) were evaluated at baseline and on completion of the treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost all patients displayed dry eye symptoms and signs at baseline. After the 8-week intervention, Korean Red Ginseng supplementation significantly improved the tear film stability and total Ocular Surface Disease Index score, as compared to placebo (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Korean Red Ginseng supplementation may provide an additional treatment option for dry eye and patients with glaucoma using antiglaucoma eye drops.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyoung Won
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.affiliation: Siloam Eye Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Sangah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Minkyo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Naeun
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Samin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Gong Je
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Seong
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Chan Yun
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Korean Red Ginseng; Panax ginseng; dry eye syndrome; glaucoma