Protecting Tear-Film Stability under Adverse Environmental Conditions Using a Mucomimetic with a Non-Newtonian...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Drug Delivery
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Tamarind-seed polysaccharide (TSP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) possess mucoadhesive properties beneficial for ocular drug delivery.
• These properties can enhance drug absorption and prolong residence time on the ocular surface, potentially alleviating dry-eye symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a TSP/HA-containing formulation for its efficacy in managing dry-eye symptoms induced by adverse environmental conditions.
• To investigate the interaction between the mucomimetic polymer and key tear-film parameters under desiccating stress.

Main Methods:

• Participants were exposed to a controlled low-humidity environment (5% RH).
• Tear-film parameters, including non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear evaporation rate, and lipid-layer thickness (LLT), were assessed.
• TSP/HA eye drops were administered using two modalities: protection (pre-exposure) and relief (post-exposure).

Main Results:

• Exposure to 5% RH significantly reduced LLT and increased tear evaporation rate compared to 40% RH.
• TSP/HA eye drops significantly augmented LLT and improved NITBUT in both protection and relief treatment groups at 5% RH.
• The formulation demonstrated a protective effect against increased evaporation in the protection modality.

Conclusions:

• TSP/HA eye drops offer significant protection of tear-film parameters in desiccating environments.
• Both pre-exposure (protection) and post-exposure (relief) administration methods were effective.
• The inclusion of TSP/HA enhances the protective capabilities of eye drops against adverse environmental conditions.