Abstract
Purpose:
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease that affects the ocular surface and tear film for which there is no putative cure. Topical lubricants are by far the most widely used therapy for DES, but typically have a very low residence time on the ocular surface, and therefore provide transient relief. We have developed a novel formulation which addresses many of the inadequacies of modern eye drops.
Methods:
A series of novel formulations of covalently linked hyaluronic acid (HA) and sulphadiazine (SD) were prepared for testing. New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were chemically induced to display dry eye symptoms by topically administering 0.1% Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) twice daily for 14 days. These DES rabbits were rescued with our HA-DS formulations. This rescue was assessed using various staining with slit lamp ophthalmoscopy, Schirmer's testing, impression cytology, and conventional histology.
Results:
Results demonstrate the potential of HA-SD conjugates as a treatment for DES. Symptoms improved immediately after administration, and this beneficial effect persisted for longer than current commercial alternatives. DES symptoms disappeared completely much sooner when treated with HA-SD than when left untreated.
Conclusions:
A series of novel hyaluronic acid and sulphadiazine based eyedrops were developed to treat DES. These materials offer the potential to greatly improve on the current status quo.
Keywords: 479 cornea: clinical science •
474 conjunctiva •
503 drug toxicity/drug effects