Affiliations 

  • 1 Management and Science University
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is an ocular condition characterized in decreasing of Tears Break-up Time (TBUT) leads to ocular irritation and loss of cornea integrity. Lubricants are the first-line treatment for various causes of ocular irritation, particularly dry eye. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Systane Hydration Lubricant (SHL) Eye Drops and Optive Fusion Lubricant (OFL) Eye Drops, the over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears in treating DES. Materials and Methods: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and TBUT assessment (pre-treatment) were used to determine DES of the subject prior to their involvement in the study. The subjects then divided into two groups which were prescribed with either SHL or OFL. All subjects were instructed to instill two drops of eye drops twice a day for a duration of one week, after which the TBUT (post-treatment) was re-assessed again. Results: A total of forty (40) eyes involved in this study with the mean age was 22.65 (SD: 3.09) years old, OSDI was 29.91 (SD:19.75) and TBUT (pre-treatment) was 3.35 (SD:1.03) second and TBUT (post treatment) was 4.18 (SD0.98) second respectively. There was no significant difference in TBUT (post-treatment) between SHL and OFL Eye Drops (U = 181, p = 0.58). However, a significant difference was found between pre-treatment TBUT and post-treatment TBUT in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Systane Hydration Lubricant Eye Drops and Optive Fusion Lubricant Eye Drops are equally effective in treating DES by improving the TBUT among the subjects. Therefore, optometrists are recommended to prescribe OTC artificial tears to patients with DES.