Study uncovers differential effects of artificial tears on tear film layers
A study that compared several different types of artificial tears found that different artificial tears vary in how effectively they improve the tear film’s mucoaqueous layer thickness.
The study involved 11 healthy participants, including 9 with meibomian gland disease. Researchers measured the mucoaqueous layer thickness (MALT) and lipid layer thickness (LLT) from 198 images before and after applying 3 different artificial tears formulations—Refresh Plus, Retaine (RTA), and Systane Complete PF (SYS). Measurements were taken at baseline and at 1, 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after instilling 1 drop of artificial tears during 3 sessions on separate days.
Key takeaways include:
- All artificial tears significantly increased mucoaqueous layer thickness (MALT), peaking at 1 minute after instillation.
- Systane Complete PF (SYS) showed the highest increase in MALT (67%).
- Refresh Plus followed with a 55% increase in MALT.
- Retaine had the lowest increase in MALT (11%).
- SYS also demonstrated superior performance in increasing both MALT and lipid layer thickness compared to RTA, with significant differences noted.
- By 60 minutes, no artificial tear formulation maintained significant changes in MALT or LLT compared to baseline levels.
This study, utilizing a high-resolution tear film imaging device, highlights that while all tested artificial tears provide an initial increase in MALT, their effectiveness varies.
Reference
Antman G, Tessone I, Rios HA, et al. The Short-term Effects of Artificial Tears on the Tear Film Assessed by a Novel High-Resolution Tear Film Imager: A Pilot Study. Cornea. 2024;43(10):1264-1271. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003505. Epub 2024 Feb 28. PMID: 39288344.
