Active clinical trials for "Dry Eye Syndromes"

The aim of this investigation is to determine the thickness of the human preocular tear film using a new method based on laser speckle. This will be a preliminary study to generate "normative" tear film thickness data in normal (i.e., non dry eye) and dry eye subjects in a clinic-based population. In addition, we will examine the short term (i.e., one week) repeatability of the method in a single setting. The patients classified as having dry eye will also have their tear film thickness measured after instillation of an artificial tear. This will potentially reveal valuable data in retention of effect measured non-invasively as in prior studies that employed a fluorescein tracer.

The benefits of artificial tears to relieve dry eye symptoms include, but are not limited to: stabilizing the tear film layer, fluid supplement action, improving visual acuity, and comfort. Studies have found a relationship between some of these benefits. For example, stabilization of the tear film is important not only to increase the tear break up time (TBUT), but is key in improving and maintaining visual acuity. These studies have alluded to the fact that there may or may not be a relationship between residence time and visual performance. Viscosity is one reason behind the uncertainty. Some solutions contain polymers which influence the ocular surface when contacted. This can impact residence time and ultimately visual performance. No prior research has explored the direct relationship between residence time and visual performance. Residence time refers to the duration at which the artificial tear resides on the eye. Methods have been developed to assess residence time by admixing fluorescent tracers to the solution and then measuring the amount of fluorescence over time. The caveat to methods using certain tracers has lead to uncertainty in elimination measurements due to corneal penetration or differing molecular weights (MW) from the active vehicle ingredient in the solution. For example, low-MW tracers can be eliminated at a different rate than higher-MW polymers. In addition, the low-MW tracers may be able to penetrate the corneal epithelium giving a false pre-corneal residence time. Meadows, Paugh, Joshi, and Mordaunt addressed this issue by developing a technique using a polymer which did not penetrate the cornea and had the same MW as the active ingredient in the solution FITC-dextran. Based on the assumption that similar weights are eliminated at the same rate, this technique has shown to be more economic, manageable, and amendable than previous procedures measuring residence time. Any ophthalmic drop has the potential to impact visual acuity upon instillation due to the effect it has on the tear layer components. Studies have observed that taking artificial tears continuously over time tends to stabilize the tear layer thus minimizing the immediate drop in contrast sensitivity upon instillation. Measuring the visual effect of artificial tears, using contrast sensitivity as a measure, provides valuable information about the therapeutic effect of artificial tears that are meant to stabilize the tear film, thus improving visual acuity in dry eye patients. But what about the patient? There is a difference between residence time and retention of effect- which is often what matters the most for patients. Retention of effect refers to the beneficial effect of the drop. Currently there is no real measure of retention of effect. Doctors can assess the tear film objectively, but there have been no strong correlations between subjective dry symptoms and tear film stability. A possible reason for the lack of correlation may be due to the fact that subjectivity is difficult to quantify. However, scales like the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) have been established in an attempt to quantify subjective experiences such as visual quality. We will be using the NRS to gauge the comfort of the drop upon the initial application to get a general idea of the comfort the drop provides to the user. Although there have been several studies done on residence time and visual effect of ophthalmic formulations separately, there is no current research correlating these two aspects of therapeutic efficacy. This study will be the first to concurrently investigate residence time (using FITC-dextran) and visual effect of an ophthalmic formulation.

To assess the compatibility of Optive with refractive surgery (PRK and LASIK) post-operatively.

The purpose of this study is subjectively compare duration of action between Optive and Systane.

The purpose of this study is to assess the duration of time (in weeks) for improvement in objective dry eye markers for people who are placed on lifitegrast 0.5% (Xiidra®), an FDA-approved therapy for dry eyes.

Some patients with dry eye may have severe disabling neuropathic pain. They describe spontaneous pain, dysesthesia, hyperalgesia or even allodynia. It is classical to note an important discordance between the high intensity of the symptoms and the poverty of the clinical signs. These pains are often unrecognized and therefore often not sufficiently treated. A significant impact on patient's quality of life may occur. The concept of ocular neuropathic pain being relatively recent, few studies have focused on the subject at present. Our study aims to shed light on these pains in patients consulting for dry eyes at the Ophthalmological Foundation A. de Rothschild. The objective of our study is to describe precisely the characteristics of neuropathic eye pain and the visual, general and psychological repercussions in these patients.

The purpose is to compare the prevalence of dry eyes in diabetics and non diabetics. This might help identify a group of patients at greater risk for dry eye complications. Diabetics have been shown to have poor ocular surface healing and might benefit from dry eye therapy earlier if they are shown to be at greater risk for dry eyes.

Patients with dry eye disease (DED) will be randomized to Automatic Self Transcending Meditation (ASTM) plus Treatment as Usual (TAU) or TAU alone to assess changes in Health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL is a vital construct focusing on impact of health on quality of life. HRQoL data is used in economic evaluations, a component of health economics that compares the cost and consequences of alternative courses of action. This helps policy-makers make complex financial decisions. Along with HRQoL we will measure changes in extent of depression as well as anxiety. Previously published data lacks information of HRQoL in patients with DED. Through this study we shall attempt to correlate HRQoL in this population and assess if ASTM confers changes in HRQoL along with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Dry Eye Disease (DED)is a chronic disease without a cure. Empowering patients to engage in better self-care requires knowledge of their disease and skills in self-management, which can lead to improved well-being and quality of life. The Investigation team has developed a DED self-management program (video series and educational booklet) that can be easily implemented into clinical use. The Investigators are going to use the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) to measure the dry eye in the participants. In addition, the research team plans to use the heiQ (validated questionnaire that assesses self-management and health education programs) to evaluate the DED self-management program by comparing results taken at baseline to 2 months after undergoing the self-management program.

This is a randomized, masked, placebo controlled study to assess the effect on visual acuity, if any, of the PRN omega-3 nutritional supplement in subjects undergoing cataract surgery.