Abstract: Optive

Gee, earthshattering. Yes, people feel better with artificial tears and usually feel better when they switch to a slightly better one than they were using, at least for awhile.

Treatment of patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca with Optive: results of a multicenter, open-label observational study in Germany.
Kaercher T, Buchholz P, Kimmich F.
Clin Ophthalmol. 2009;3:33-9. Epub 2009 Jun 2.
Augenarztpraxis, Heidelberg, Germany;

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Optive, a new dry eye product containing sodium carboxymethylcellulose (0.5%) and glycerol (0.9%), in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

METHODS: This was a non-interventional and observational study including patients with dry eye who required a change of medication or were naïve to dry eye treatment (N = 5,277). Disease severity, tear break-up time (TBUT), tolerability, and change in clinical symptoms were recorded at baseline and at final visit (2 to 4 weeks after first treatment).

RESULTS: The severity of KCS was mild in 18.6%, moderate in 59.9%, and severe in 21.5% of patients based on physicians' assessment. TBUT was measured in 4,338 patients before switching to or initiating therapy with Optive and at final visit. Baseline measurement of mean TBUT was 7.7 +/- 3.9 seconds. This value increased to 10.0 +/- 4.7 seconds at final visit. Most patients (85.4%) reported improvement in local comfort. The majority (75.1%) of patients felt an improvement in symptoms after changing their treatment. Two percent of patients reported adverse events, and 0.4% were treatment-related.

CONCLUSIONS: Optive was well tolerated and improved the symptoms of dry eye after 2 to 4 weeks.