Probiotic in Dry Eye Syndromes

The ocular surface is comprised of the cornea and its overlying tissue, the conjunctiva. The ocular surface is continuously exposed to the external environment and, therefore, to different microbial species. A resident ocular surface microbiota has been found in various studies. Although little is known so far, some elements of this microbiota and/or its metabolites could represent protective cofactosr in the pathogenesis of common ocular diseases.

On the other hand, the gut microbiota is known to influence host homeostasis in distal tissues, such as brain (gut-barin axis), lungs (gut-lungs axis) and skin (gut-skin axis). However, little is known about distal effects of the gut microbiota on the ocular surface.

In this study we sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety aspects of L.sakei as both ophtalmic probiotic lysate and oral live probiotic on Dry Eye Syndrome, using a factorial design, against placebo.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or Female
• 18<age<60
• BCVA (Best Corrected Visual Acuity) >=9/10
• At least 2 subjective complaints compatible with dry eye
• TBUT (Tear Break-Up Time) <= 10 sec, Schirmer's test <= 10mm
• Signed informed consent, voluntary adherence to treatment

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Conjunctivitis
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Rheumatologic diseases including Sjogren's syndrome
• Neurologic conditions, including stroke, Bell's palsy, Parkinson's, trigeminal nerve problem
• Refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK)
• Other Eye Surgeries
• HSV Keratitis
• Medication/supplement use, including psychiatric medicines, OTC cold medicines, anti-histamines, beta-blockers, pain relievers, sleeping pills, diuretics, Hormones replacement, and oral contraceptives
• Chemical splashes / injuries to the eyes
• Contact lens use
• Environmental (dusty, windy, hot/dry)
• Any treatment for dry eye in previous 4 weeks (including lubricants, steroids, cyclosporine)