Abstract
Purpose: :
Previous experiences suggested that systemic administration of omega–3 fatty acids (n–3 FA), acetyl–L–carnitine (ALC) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve dry eye symptoms in patients affected by age–related macular degeneration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of these compounds in a larger series of elderly patients affected by dry eye.
Methods: :
Forty–four newly recognized dry eye patients (aged between 45–89 years), in addition to topical tear substitutes, were treated per orally with a combination of n–3 FA, ALC and CoQ10 for 3 months. Then they were selected into two age–matched groups: Both Group I and II continued the previous treatment for further 3 months, but Group II has also received per oral vitamin A palmitate. Irritation symptoms, clinical signs, and tear diagnostic tests (Schirmer, BUT) were evaluated at the beginning, after 3 and 6 months
Results: :
After 3 month a combination of n–3 FA, ALC and CoQ10 improved significantly irritation symptoms, clinical signs, and frequency of topical treatment (p<0.01), marginally the Schirmer’s test (p<0.05), but not tear break up time (BUT). Addition of vitamin A palmitate to this treatment resulted in a significant improvement in both Schirmer’s test and tear BUT by the end of 6 months as compared to the baseline.
Conclusions: :
Our results suggested that systemic administration of selected combination of food supplements containing n–3 FA, ALC and CoQ10 may improve dry eye symptoms of elderly patients, while further improvement may be reached by addition of vitamin A. Benefices of this treatment may be related to the synergic effects of these compound on cell metabolism and inflammation
Keywords: aging • nutritional factors • pharmacology