A clinical evaluation of Systane.

BACKGROUND: Systane is a new artificial tear solution containing the pH dependent gelling polymer hydroxypropyl-Guar (HP-Guar). We evaluated Systane in an open trial.
METHODS: Patients complaining of dry feeling eyes were eligible to enroll, with inclusion criteria based on the presence of corneal staining with sodium fluorescein (NaFl) and participants' desire to use ocular lubricants. Six symptoms of ocular irritation were rated on a four-point scale. Conjunctival injection, conjunctival and corneal fluorescein staining were graded and tear break-up time (TBUT) and tear meniscus height were measured. Subjects were instructed to instill one drop of Systane into each eye four times a day for approximately four weeks. Ocular symptoms and signs were then reassessed and subjects were asked to rate eight statements concerning their satisfaction with the product.
RESULTS: A total of 38 subjects were enrolled with 32 completing the follow-up visit. The following variables improved significantly at follow-up: all ocular irritation symptom scores, conjunctival injection, total conjunctival and total corneal staining scores, and TBUT. Tear meniscus height showed no significant change. Systane proved effective in reducing the symptoms of dry eye; however induced blur appeared to be a complication for many participants.
CONCLUSIONS: The study represents a community based evaluation of the benefits of a novel ocular lubricant in optometric practice. The results suggest that the gelling properties of HP-Guar may be influential in promoting ocular surface recovery through improved ocular surface retention, however further randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm this. The extent and significance of induced blur also needs further investigation.