Abstract
Purpose :
Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent ocular disease characterized by insufficient tear film stability, classified into different types, such as aqueous-deficient or evaporative DED, based on its underlying causes and clinical features. Zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (polyCBMA) hydrogels have emerged as a promising biomaterial for enhancing ocular surface hydration because of their unique biocompatibility and water-retaining properties. This study aimed to use different animal models to assess the effectiveness of polyCBMA hydrogels in improving ocular surface hydration across different DED.
Methods :
In this study, two distinct dry eye rabbit models were established by surgically resecting the lacrimal glands or Harderian gland, representing aqueous-deficient or evaporative DED, respectively. Each model was divided into two subgroups: one received topical treatment with polyCBMA hydrogels, and the other received placebo treatment. A control group of healthy rabbits was also included. Various parameters, including tear film stability (tear break-up time), corneal epithelial integrity (corneal fluorescein staining), conjunctival goblet cell density, and tear osmolarity, were assessed to evaluate the effects of polyCBMA hydrogel treatment on ocular surface hydration and dry eye-related parameters in these models.
Results :
In both dry eye models, the polyCBMA hydrogel effectively improved dry eye condition, with a significant improvement in case of the DED associated with TCA soaking as evidenced by increased tear break-up time, reduced corneal fluorescein staining, normal Schirmer test value, and attenuated tear osmolarity value (p < 0.05)
Conclusions :
Zwitterionic polyCBMA hydrogels effectively improved ocular surface hydration and alleviated dry eye-related parameters in both lacrimal gland and Harderian gland resection rabbit models. These results emphasize the potential of polyCBMA hydrogels as a promising therapeutic approach for the management of dry eye disease across diverse etiologies. Further research into their long-term safety and clinical applications is warranted, hopefully providing better treatment for dry eye patients.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.