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Two-Year Progression of Dry Eye Disease in Dry Eye Assessment and Management Study

Lee DC, Guo M, Yu Y, Bunya VY, Asbell P, Ying GS

Cornea, 2024

43 participants

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the progression of dry eye disease (DED) symptoms and signs over 2 years through a secondary analysis of data collected from the Dry Eye Assessment and Management study.

METHODS: Participants who were assigned to omega-3 fatty acid in the first year were rerandomized in the second year to either continue with omega-3 fatty acid or switch to placebo. At baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, DED symptoms were evaluated by using the Ocular Surface Disease Index and the Brief Ocular Discomfort Index (BODI). DED signs were assessed using conjunctival staining, corneal staining, tear break-up time, Schirmer testing, and keratography measures. Medication usage was documented at each visit. Because the treatment and placebo groups displayed no statistical differences in both signs and symptoms, data from the 43 participants were combined to assess longitudinal changes in symptoms and signs.

RESULTS: At 3 months after omega-3 fatty acid treatment, there were significant improvements from baseline in Ocular Surface Disease Index and Brief Ocular Discomfort Index scores (all P ≤ 0.002) and less use of artificial tears or gel ( P = 0.02), but between 3 and 24 months, no significant changes in symptoms and treatments were observed ( P ≥ 0.06). Except for a significant improvement in conjunctival staining score over 2 years ( P = 0.001), there were no significant sign changes in corneal staining ( P = 0.32), tear break-up time ( P =…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 43 participants or records.

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