Effect Of Systane Gel On Ocular Surface Kinetics And Its Effectiveness In The Treatment Of Dry Eye Disease.

To assess the effect and ocular surface kinetics of systane gel in patients with dry eye using a spot fluorometer

Department of Cornea and External eye disease in a tertiary eye care centre.

This is a prospective observations study which  included 31 subjects with symptoms of dry eye.  Baseline measures were taken which included pre-blink analysis, Schirmer test, Tear Break up time (TBUT), Corneal staining score, and tear clearance time . The SYSTANE Gel  eye drops were then instilled to measure blur profile and post-blink analysis, TBUT was measured every 20 minutes over a period of 60 minutes. Tear clearance time was also assessed using a custom-made Spot Flurometer by instilling drops dyed with 0.5% fluorescein. After the measurements, the subjects were prescribed with Systane gel advised to use it for a month and followed up.

The results of the study showed a statistically significant increase in TBUT (3.03 ± 2.2 and P < 0.001),with an improvement in the symptom score DEQ 5 (5.68 ± 2.66 and P < 0.001) in patients after using Systane gel.The study showed a statistically significant increase in the Ocular Protection Index pre and post Systane gel use(0.71 ± 0.53 and P < 0.001),indicating that the ocular surface was protected from exposure and tear evaporation after using Systane gel.The ocular residence time of Systane gel was measured using a spot fluorometer, and the data showed a significant increase in residence time of Systane gel pre and post treatment was  17479.84 ± 11072.67 seconds ( P < 0.001).

Overall, the study suggests that Systane gel is an effective treatment for improving tear film parameters, reducing symptoms, and protecting the ocular surface from exposure and tear evaporation.