Optive Eyedrops Significantly Better At Improving Conjunctival Health Than Hylocomod For Those With Dry Eye
New research from the UK shows that Optive™ eye drops have a significantly better effect on conjunctival tissues of patients with mild to moderate dry eye compared with Hylocomod (Na-Hyaluronate) eyedrops1. Due to the chronic nature of dry eye, tissue recovery could be considered essential to achieving long term success. The prevalence of people reporting dry eye symptoms is between 5 - 30% in the population aged 50 years and older.
About the head-to-head study
A broad group of patients with mild to moderate dry eye were randomised to receive either Optive™ from Allergan or Na-Hyaluronate once daily for one month. Nearly 50 patients were included in this study. Using fluorescein and lissamine green staining, differences in the conjunctival tissue were evaluated as staining is indicative of ocular surface desiccation and damage.
- At one month, OPTIVE™ patients showed significantly less lissamine staining (p=0.002) compared with patients treated with Na-Hyaluronate
- These results indicate that Optive™ is significantly superior to Na-Hyaluronate in stimulating conjunctival tissue recovery
- Compliance with both eyedrops was similar indicating that the improvements seen in the Optive™ patient group is likely due to treatment effects
Improvement to the quality and quantity of tears is also important for resolution of dry eye. Results from a recent large observational study2 involving more than 5000 patients show that patients switched from Na-Hyaluronate to Optive™ have improved quality (using TBUT test) and quantity (using Schirmer 1 tests) of tears. In this open label study, 69% of patients experienced improvement in their dry-eye symptoms following the switch from Na-Hyaluronate to Optive™ and 80% of patients reported greater comfort following the switch to Optive™ eyedrops.
About Optive™
Optive™ unique Osmomax™ technology delivers deep comfort to dry eyes through lubrication and osmoprotection. The advanced Osmomax™ technology lubricates the surface of the eye and moisturises the ocular surface cells by restoring natural osmotic balance3. Optive™ is compatible for use with all types of contact lenses and is suitable for use post LASIK surgery.
More information about Dry Eye
Dry eye encompasses a vast range of anomalies. Typical symptoms include dryness, grittiness, burning/stinging, foreign body sensation, pain and photophobia. Symptoms range from mild and transient irritation, through more persistent irritation, burning, itching, and ocular redness, to an intolerable feeling of sand and grit in the eyes with pain at every blink. In fact, the complications of dry eye may be sight threatening including scleritis, corneal ulceration and ocular infections.
References
1. Guillion M, Maissa C, Ho C. Evaluation of the effects on conjunctival tissues of Optive eye-drops over one month usage. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 33 (2); 2010: 93-99
2. Kaecher T, Buccholz P, Kimmich F. Clin Ophthalmol 2009; 3: 33-39
3. Optive™ DFU. June 2008
