Background:
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a prevalent multifactorial disorder that affects individuals worldwide and is characterized by insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) eye drops are widely used for managing DED because of their bio-adhesive properties, which enhance tear retention. However, real-world data on its effectiveness and safety are lacking. Hence
Aim:
To evaluate clinical effectiveness and safety in diverse real-world clinical settings.
Methods:
This multicenter, retrospective, real-world study assessed the medical records of adult patients with DED treated with CMC Eye Drops. The severity of symptoms such as pain, dryness, irritation, poor vision, and sensitivity to light was assessed using a Likert scale at baseline and follow-up visits. Tear break-up time (TBUT) and adverse events were recorded during follow-up. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
A total of 1853 patients (mean age [±SD]), 43.78 ± 10.66 years; males, 63%) were included in the analysis. The duration of illness noted varied from 0.5 ─ 100 weeks. CMC 0.5% or 1% eye drops were prescribed at a frequency of twice, three times, or four times daily depending on the disease severity. The majority of patients were followed up after 1 month, with an average follow-up duration of 47.30 days. From baseline to follow-up assessment visit, the severity of pain, dryness, irritation, poor vision, and sensitivity to light were reduced by 80%, 68%, 77%, 72%, and 78%, respectively. TBUT was documented at the follow-up visit in 772 patients; of these, 99% patients had a normal TBUT (≥10 seconds) and no patient had an abnormal TBUT (
Key words: Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Retrospective study, CMC, DED
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