An artificial tear containing flaxseed oil for treating dry eye disease: A randomized controlled trial

Ocul Surf. 2020 Jan;18(1):148-157. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.11.004. Epub 2019 Nov 14.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a nano-emulsion artificial tear (OM3) containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and glycerin, flaxseed oil and castor oil, and three osmoprotectants (levocarnitine, erythritol, and trehalose) compared with an artificial tear (Refresh Optive Advanced [ROA]) containing the same ingredients with the exception of trehalose and flaxseed oil.

Methods: In this multicenter, double-masked, randomized, two-arm, parallel-group, 6-visit study (screening, baseline, and days 7, 30, 60, and 90), subjects with dry eye disease underwent an open-label, 7-day run-in with CMC 0.5% (Refresh Plus), before 1:1 randomization to OM3 or ROA for 90 days (both instilled ≥2 daily). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI; primary endpoint change from baseline at day 90), tear film breakup time (TBUT), and ocular staining (combined/corneal/conjunctival) were assessed; change from baseline in these parameters was calculated at each timepoint. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were assessed at each visit.

Results: Overall, 242 subjects were randomized (OM3, n = 120; ROA, n = 122). At day 90, significant improvements in OSDI, ocular staining and TBUT were evident in both treatment groups. Significant (P < 0.05) between-group differences in favor of OM3 were observed for combined ocular staining (all timepoints), corneal staining (day 90), and conjunctival staining (day 30). Treatment-related AEs were higher in the ROA (9.8%) versus OM3 (6.7%) group; blurred vision was among the most commonly reported AE (OM3 0% vs ROA 4.1%).

Conclusion: These findings support the application of OM3, a novel preservative-free, nano-emulsion tear formulation with trehalose and flaxseed oil, for the treatment of dry eye disease.

Keywords: Artificial tears; Dry eye disease; Fatty acid; Flaxseed oil; Nano-emulsion; Omega-3; Trehalose.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
  • Dry Eye Syndromes* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Linseed Oil
  • Lubricant Eye Drops*
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Tears

Substances

  • Lubricant Eye Drops
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Linseed Oil
  • Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium