Double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, crossover, multicentre study to determine the efficacy of a 0.1% (w/v) sodium hyaluronate solution (Fermavisc) in the treatment of dry eye syndrome
- Patrick I Condona,
- Charles G McEwenb,
- Mark Wrightc,
- Graeme Mackintoshd,
- Robin J Prescotte,
- Carolyn McDonaldf
- aArdkeen Hospital, Waterford, Ireland, b14 Somerset Place, Glasgow, cPrincess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh, dGloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, eMedical Statistics Unit, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, fFermentech Medical Limited, Edinburgh
- Carolyn McDonald, Fermentech Medical Ltd, Research Avenue South, Heriot Watt Research Park, Edinburgh EH14 4AP.
- Accepted 18 May 1999
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hyaluronan (sodium hyaluronate) has been shown to confer objective and subjective improvement in patients with dry eye syndrome. This study compared the efficacy and safety of a 0.1% solution of hyaluronan with 0.9% saline, when administered topically to the eye, in the treatment of symptoms of severe dry eye syndrome.
METHODS A randomised, double blind, crossover clinical trial in which subjects were randomised to receive either hyaluronan or saline, applied as one or two drops to the eye, three or four times a day or as required. After 28 days’ treatment, subjects crossed over to the other study medication for a further 28 days’ treatment.
RESULTS 70 subjects were included in the analyses of efficacy and significant improvements in Schirmer’s score (p=0.0006) and rose bengal staining score (p=0.0001) were observed during treatment with hyaluronan. In a subjective assessment of the effectiveness of two treatments, a majority of subjects felt that hyaluronan was more effective than saline in alleviating the symptoms of burning and grittiness (p<0.001). No adverse events attributable to hyaluronan treatment were reported.
CONCLUSION The study demonstrates a clear benefit of hyaluronan over saline, in both subjective and objective assessments of dry eye syndrome. Hyaluronan was shown to be well tolerated.
