Emerging treatments

Essential omega-3 fatty acids

Essential omega-3 fatty acids may decrease ocular irritation, reduce symptoms, and improve ocular surface health compared with placebo.[3][58] [ Cochrane Clinical Answers logo ] In one large multicenter, double-blind clinical trial, patients with dry eye disease (DED) who received omega 3 fatty acids for 12 months did not have significantly better outcomes than patients in the placebo group.[59] Further research is needed to understand the role of essential omega-3 fatty acids in the management of DED.[60]

Perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution

Perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution targets evaporative DED. Randomized controlled trials report statistically significant reductions in signs and symptoms of DED compared with saline control.[61][62][63] Perfluorohexyloctane is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of DED.

Meibomian gland duct probing

Opens up the occlusion caused by meibomian gland dysfunction and may facilitate regenerative growth within the ductal compartment.[64][65] It requires anesthetizing the patient’s eyelids before passing a small blunt cannula probe into the meibomian glands.

Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution

A lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) antagonist, lifitegrast reduced corneal and conjunctival staining, eye dryness score, and ocular discomfort in clinical trials.[66][67][68] Instillation site reactions were common in clinical trials.[69] Lifitegrast is approved by the FDA for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye.

Reproxalap ophthalmic solution

Reproxalap is a reactive aldehyde species (RASP) inhibitor. A phase 3 dry eye trial is ongoing to address the FDA's request for at least one additional well controlled study demonstrating a positive effect on the treatment of ocular symptoms in patients with dry eye.[70]

Varenicline nasal spray

A nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, varenicline nasal spray is approved by the FDA for the treatment of DED. In a vehicle-controlled clinical trial, varenicline significantly improved signs and symptoms of DED.[71]

Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is an antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody. It significantly improved tear film stability, corneal staining, and symptoms in a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.[72]

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