Soluble collagen disks for the treatment of dry eye syndrome

We evaluated the efficacy of soluble ocular inserts made from porcine scleral collagen for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The 22 patients enrolled in this pilot study were asked to grade their pretreatment symptoms and to document the frequency of artificial tear administration. Schirmer tests, fluorescein and rose bengal staining, and impression cytology of the conjunctival epithelium were also performed at the initial evaluation. Patients were evaluated in this fashion at 3-4, 6-8, and 18-20 weeks after initiation of treatment. We observed statistically significant improvement in symptomatology and reduced necessity for artificial tear administration. There was no significant change in rose bengal staining or impression cytology results. (The absence of objective findings suggests the possibility of a placebo effect.) These findings indicate that soluble collagen inserts may be useful in treating dry eye syndrome.