Efficacy of Riboflavin-Enhanced Hyaluronic Acid Eye Drops in Treating Dry Eye Disease

In this retrospective study, the investigators have examined the historical therapeutic efficacy of Riboflavin-Enhanced Hyaluronic Acid Eye Drops (HAr® 0.1%) in the treatment of Dry Eye Disease (DED), adhering to good clinical practice principles.

Participants were historically divided into two groups:

• Group X: received Riboflavin-Enhanced Hyaluronic Acid Eye Drops (HAr® 0.1%) (Ribohyal Group).
• Group Y: received standard HA 0.1% eye drops (Control Group).

The historical outcome measures included the retrospective assessments of osmolarity, Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), corneal staining, Schirmer test, tear meniscus measurement, and Non-invasive Break-Up Time (NIBUT). The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score was historically recorded at various time points.

Inclusion criteria

for patient selection included a dry eye history of at least three months, OSDI score ≥ 23, and positivity in at least one eye for one or more of the following diagnostic criteria:

• Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) < 7 seconds
• Schirmer test I at 5 minutes < 10 mm
• Corneal and/or conjunctival fluorescein staining
• Tear osmolarity > 308 mOsm/L or a difference of at least 8 mOsm/L between both eyes.

Exclusion criteria

• Age below 18 years
• Severe ocular surface affections
• Unilateral dry eye syndrome
• Refractive surgery performed within the last six months
• Eye surgery performed within the last three months
• Previous herpetic keratitis
• Signs of active corneal infection
• Systemic or topical steroid therapy within the last 30 days
• Topical therapy within the last 14 days
• Inability to understand the informed consent.