Comparison of Efficacy Between a Phospholipid-Hydroxypropyl Guar Nanoemulsion and Castor Oil-Based Lubricating Eyedrops.

Purpose: To compare dry eye symptoms using the SANDE questionnaire as well as corneal and conjunctival staining with two propylene glycol lubricating eyedrops that contain very different excipients.

Methods: This was a single site, prospective, double-masked, randomized-controlled study with two arms comparing Systane Complete Multi-Dose Preservative Free (MDPF) eyedrops (Systane group) and Walgreen's Lubricant Balance eyedrops (WLB group). Participants were 18-65 years of age, had a total score of 20-55 inclusive on the Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire at the screening visit, and were not current contact lens wearers. Subjects were randomized to either Group. Data were collected for corneal and conjunctival staining, non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), and global SANDE score.

Results: A total of 70 participants completed the study (35 in each group). After 2 weeks of eyedrop use, the Systane group had a significantly greater reduction in global SANDE score (-9.9 ± 14.7) compared to the WLB group (-4.13 ± 8.6; p = 0.05). Also, the Systane group had a significantly greater reduction in total staining score (-2.8 ± 1.8) compared to the WLB group (-0.9 ± 1.5; p < 0.001). In addition, the Systane group had a greater increase in NITBUT (3.1 ± 2.9) compared to the WLB group (2.2 ± 4.5), but this was not significant (p = 0.32).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that eyedrops with the same active ingredient, but different excipients, can have differences in performance. Participants reported less dry eye symptoms and presented with reduced clinical signs of dry eye with Systane Complete MDPF compared to those who used WLB. Systane Complete MDPF eyedrops may be a good option for practitioners to recommend for patients with mild to moderate symptoms of dry eye.