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Comparative Performance of Artificial Tear Drops Assessed with Objective Non-Invasive Imaging.
Emily Rose White1, Ishan Amin Khwaja2, Nicholas Fazio1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|November 3, 2025
Summary
This study compared 13 artificial tears and perflourohexyloctane using non-invasive imaging. While some artificial tears improved specific dry eye metrics, no single formulation excelled across all measures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Dry eye disease affects millions globally, necessitating effective treatments.
- Over-the-counter artificial tears are a common therapeutic option.
- Objective assessment of artificial tear efficacy is crucial for guiding clinical decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comparative analysis of 13 over-the-counter artificial tear formulations and perflourohexyloctane.
- To assess the performance of these formulations using objective, non-invasive imaging techniques.
- To provide data for informed therapeutic decisions in managing dry eye disease.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, sequential study involving 13 artificial tear formulations in participants over 18 years of age.
- Measurement of tear meniscus height, non-invasive keratographic breakup time, and lipid layer thickness before and after drop administration.
- Statistical comparison using linear mixed models to analyze group, time, and interaction effects.
Main Results:
- Most artificial tears increased tear meniscus height at 5 and 15 minutes post-administration.
- Non-invasive keratographic breakup time and lipid layer thickness showed more variable changes.
- No single artificial tear formulation outperformed others across all measured endpoints; perflourohexyloctane showed no superior performance.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive imaging can objectively evaluate over-the-counter artificial tear performance.
- Individual artificial tears may outperform others on specific parameters, suggesting potential for personalized therapy.
- Further research is needed to correlate observed differences with clinical significance in dry eye disease treatment.
