[Dry eye as a therapeutic problem].

Effects of substitution therapy was investigated in 42 patients having the dry eye syndrome associated with systemic diseases of connective tissues (systemic lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, etc). Artificial tears were applied: Liquifilm sol, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.3% (HPMC) and Ocutal sol. After the one-month application of each preparation, mean values of Schirmer's test were approximately identical and the differences were not statistically significant (4.5 +/- 3.5; 4.95 +/- 4.4; 4.01 +/- 3.6), differing slightly from mean values of Schirmer's test prior to the treatment (4.4 +/- 3.4; 3.9 +/- 2.5). The lacrimal secretion did not increase after the administration of the above therapy. The therapy with artificial tears resulted in the improvement of subjective complaints (scratching, dryness and burning sensation) in 65% of cases treated with Liquifilm sol, in 69% upon the administration of HMPC 0.3% and in 60% after the application of Ocutal sol.