Abstract: Antioxidants and dry eye

Very interesting... I don't think I've seen anything like this before.

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2009 May-Jun;19(3):337-42.
Antioxidants intake and dry eye syndrome: a crossover, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Drouault-Holowacz S, Bieuvelet S, Burckel A, Rigal D, Dubray C, Lichon JL, Bringer P, Pilon F, Chiambaretta F.
PiLeJe, Paris - France. s.holowacz@pileje.com

PURPOSE: To assess whether an orally administered antioxidant dietary supplement could improve the objective clinical signs and alleviate the subjective symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

METHODS: Twenty-four subjects diagnosed with dry eye syndrome were randomized in a crossover, double-blind, controlled, randomized study to receive a placebo or an antioxidants combination (Oxybiane) for 12 weeks. In all subjects, break-up time (BUT) test, Schirmer test, ocular symptoms (sore eyes, burning, itching, sensation of foreign object in the eye, photophobia, sticky eyes, and redness), visual comfort, and general well-being were evaluated weekly.

RESULTS: After 12 weeks of supplementation with Oxybiane, both the BUT scores (27.3%+/-8.4% with Oxybiane versus 3.61%+/-4.3% with the placebo, p=0.017) and the Schirmer scores (26.9%+/-14.2% with Oxybiane versus -4.7%+/-3.4% with the placebo, p=0.037) were significantly increased. A significantly improvement was also observed considering subjective clinical symptoms such as burning (p=0.031), itching (p=0.027), sensation of foreign body in eye (p=0.030), and redness (p=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS. Supplementation with oral antioxidants can improve both tear stability and quantity but also subjective clinical signs.