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Oral omega-6 essential fatty acid treatment in contact lens associated dry eye
- Source :
-
Contact Lens & Anterior Eye . Jun2008, Vol. 31 Issue 3, p141-146. 6p. - Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Purpose: Symptoms of dry eye are commonly reported in contact lens wearers and are a frequent cause of non-tolerance. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of oral treatment with particular omega-6 fatty acids in the form of evening primrose oil (EPO) on subjective symptoms, ocular surface signs and tear film characteristic in patients with contact lens associated dry eye. Methods: The study design was randomised, double-masked and placebo controlled. 76 female soft contact lens wearers were treated for 6 months with either EPO or placebo (olive oil). Subjects underwent three examinations (baseline, 3 and 6 months). At each examination subjects were given a questionnaire relating to lens comfort and dry eye symptoms and underwent a series of tests of tear film characteristics (tear meniscus height, break-up time), meibomian gland function (lipid layer thickness and quality) and ocular surface parameters (hyperaemia and staining). Results: The EPO group showed a significant improvement in the specific symptom of ‘dryness’ at 3 and 6 months (p <0.01) and also a significant improvement in overall lens comfort at 6 months (p <0.01). Tear meniscus height was increased in the EPO group at 6 months relative to baseline (p <0.01), although all other objective signs were unchanged. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for a beneficial effect of particular orally administered omega-6 fatty acids in alleviating dry eye symptoms and improving overall lens comfort in patients suffering from contact lens associated dry eye. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *DRY eye syndromes
*CONTACT lenses
*EYE diseases
*EYE care
*THERAPEUTICS
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13670484
- Volume :
- 31
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Contact Lens & Anterior Eye
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32568489
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2007.12.001