Effect of systane and optive on aqueous tear evaporation in patients with dry eye disease.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect on aqueous tear (AT) evaporation rate of Systane and Optive at 30 min postinstillation in patients with dry eye.

METHODS

In a crossover study of 20 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, the evaporation rate of AT was measured. Evaporometry was used at two relative humidity (RH) ranges of 25% to 35% and 35% to 45%. The measurements were made at baseline (before the instillation of the study agent) and at 30 min after the instillation of 40 μL of either Systane or Optive per randomization assignment per visit with a 1-week interval between visits.

RESULTS

No significant effects on AT evaporation rates at both RHs were found between study agents.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, neither Systane nor Optive has a significant impact on AT evaporation at 30 min postinstillation in patients with dry eye.