Clinical Evaluation of Additive Effect of Diquafosol Tetrasodium for Moderate to Severe Dry-Eye Syndrome: Long-Term Results
Purpose
To evaluate the additive effect of diquafosol tetrasodium in patients treating with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome.
Methods
Sixty-five patients in treating with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome were added diquafosol tetrasodium for over 6 months. We assessed ocular surface disease index (OSDI), corneal and conjunctival staining with fluorescein, tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer’s testing, and adverse reactions at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after the start of treatment.
Results
Treatment with diquafosol tetrasodium significantly improved dry eye symptoms (OSDI), corneal and conjunctival staining, and BUT at 1 month and maintained the effectiveness for 9 months. On the other hand, we found no significant change in Schirmer’s testing after treatment. No significant adverse reactions developed.
Conclusion
Prolonged use of diquafosol tetrasodium for 9 months produced significant improvement both subjectively (dry eye symptom score) and objectively (ocular staining score and BUT) for moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome. Therefore the diquafosol tetrasodium is helpful agent for ocular surface stability for patients treating with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome.