Optimising tear replacement rheology in canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Dry eye disease affects numerous human and canine patients.
• Existing laboratory models for dry eye have limitations.
• Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca offers a valuable spontaneous model for research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a crosslinked hyaluronic acid topical drop.
• To evaluate its efficacy in dogs with spontaneous keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
• To assess its potential as a tear replacement medication for human and canine dry eye.

Main Methods:

• Development of a crosslinked hyaluronic acid formulation.
• Trials conducted on dogs with spontaneous keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
• Rheological analysis comparing native and crosslinked hyaluronic acid.

Main Results:

• The crosslinked hyaluronic acid drop exhibits non-Newtonian, shear-thinning properties.
• These properties mimic the natural tear film's behavior.
• Successful trial results in canine patients with dry eye.

Conclusions:

• Crosslinked hyaluronic acid demonstrates potential as an effective tear replacement.
• The non-Newtonian rheology is advantageous for dry eye treatment.
• This formulation could benefit both human and canine populations suffering from dry eye.