[Clinical study of the effectiveness of a preservative-free tear substitute].

57 patients with dry eye syndrome of various etiology were treated with a preservative-free hydrogel in an open clinical trial. All patients enrolled in the 12 weeks study had a history of pretreatment with usual commercial tear substitutes which was either insufficient for relief of complaints or caused hypersensitivity. Detailed analysis of patients self assessment of their condition (by means of a linear scale), tear film break-up time, Schirmer Test, and physician's assessment of therapeutical results revealed that in about 90% of cases existing patient complaints and findings related to dry eye syndrome were significantly improved by symptomatic therapy with this preservative-free gel.