Oral antioxidant therapy for marginal dry eye

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Optometry
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Trial Research

Background:

• Dry eye disease is a prevalent condition affecting ocular surface health and patient quality of life.
• Marginal dry eye, a specific subtype, may benefit from targeted interventions.
• Oral antioxidant supplements are explored for their potential anti-inflammatory and protective effects on ocular tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an orally administered antioxidant dietary supplement in managing marginal dry eye.
• To assess the impact of oral antioxidants on tear volume, tear quality, ocular surface status, and dry eye symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial involving 40 participants with marginal dry eye.
• Participants received active treatment, placebo, and no treatment for one month each in a random sequence.
• Assessments included tear volume (thread test), tear stability, conjunctival impression cytology, and symptom questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Active oral antioxidant treatment significantly improved tear stability and ocular surface status (conjunctival health) compared to baseline (P<0.05).
• No significant improvements were observed with placebo or no treatment.
• Increased tear stability correlated with an increased goblet cell population density; tear volume and subjective symptoms did not improve significantly.

Conclusions:

• Oral antioxidant supplementation demonstrates a positive effect on tear film stability and conjunctival health in individuals with marginal dry eye.
• The precise mechanism linking ocular surface health and tear stability requires further investigation.
• Findings suggest a potential role for oral antioxidants in improving specific objective measures of dry eye disease.