Efficacy of 3% diquafosol long-acting eye drops in dry eye patients treated for three months.

Purpose: To investigate changes in the ocular surface and subjective symptoms during a three months administration of 3% diquafosol long-acting (DQL) eye drops.

Study design: Prospective observational study.

Methods: DQL eye drops were administered as the sole treatment for all patients, including those in the group where DQL eye drops were newly prescribed (New DQL) and the group who switched from 3% diquafosol (DQS) eye drops (Switched DQL) in this prospective study. Each group underwent assessment of tear meniscus height (TMH), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), fluorescein score, and Schirmer 1 test before DQL administration, at one month, and at three months. Changes in ocular surface scores and subjective symptoms at each time point were analyzed.

Results: The study included a total of 63 eyes of 63 patients, with a mean age of 60.3 ±14.6 (SD). Among them, 29 patients (20 women) were in the New DQL group, and 34 patients (24 women) were in the Switched DQL group. Both the New DQL and Switched DQL groups showed significant improvements in TMH, OSDI, FBUT, Fluorescein Score, and Schirmer 1 test after three months of DQL eye drop administration.

Conclusion: DQL eye drops have the potential to improve ocular scores and subjective symptoms in patients with DE over a three months period, regardless of whether it is newly initiated or as a switch from DQS eye drops.