Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Treated with 0.3% Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Artificial Tear Substitutes

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a disorder with the deficiency of aqueous component of the tear film. Dry eyes, associated with ocular irritation and photophobia, may lead to corneal and conjunctival changes, including superficial puntate keratitis and filamentary keratitis. We have utilized Artelac (0.3% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) in the therapy of 30 patients suffering from dry eye. Subjective symptoms and objective signs were used to evaluate the efficacy of Artelac eye drops for the treatment of dry eye. Subjective symptoms improved on 29/30 patients (96.6%), and objective signs improved on 25/30 patients (83.3%). In statistical analysis, symptoms and signs significantly improved after medication with Artelac. Side effects were not observed on these 30 patients during the period of application of Artelac. Artelac is an effective artificial tear substitute to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca.