Varenicline nasal spray may aid in post-PRK healing and vision recovery

Varenicline nasal spray (VNS) shows potential as a treatment for dry eye disease following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), with some indications of faster corneal healing and better visual outcomes, according to a study.

In the study, patients scheduled for PRK were randomized into to receive VNS 0.3 mg and the other a placebo. Treatment began 28 days before surgery and continued for 84 days postoperatively. Key outcomes included changes in dry eye symptoms, epithelial healing rates, and visual outcomes.

Although both groups experienced improvement in dry eye symptoms, no statistically significant difference was observed between them. However, there was a trend toward faster corneal healing in the VNS group, with 100% closure by Day 3 compared to Day 4 in the control group. In addition, more patients in the VNS group achieved 20/16 or better vision at 3 months (82.5% vs 72.5%).

Reference
Ferguson TJ, Walton K, Goertz JG, et al. Varenicline Solution Nasal Spray 0.03 Mg for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease Following Photorefractive Keratectomy. Clin Ophthalmol. 2024;18:2777-2784. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S474747. PMID: 39386175; PMCID: PMC11463182.