Dry eye disease is a common condition that particularly affects older adults and women, according to News-Medical.
The condition can cause red eyes, irritation, and blurred vision. In some cases, it may also damage the surface of the eye and make activities such as reading or driving difficult.
According to Baylor College of Medicine, the problem is often caused by the eyes producing too few tears or by tears evaporating too quickly in dry or windy conditions.
Challenges in current treatments
Many patients are currently treated with steroid-based eye drops that reduce inflammation in the eye.
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However, long-term use can lead to side effects such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Okayama University have therefore investigated a new type of treatment.
They focused on specific immune cells in the eye that normally protect tissue and help maintain eye health.
In dry eye disease, these cells function less effectively, which can lead to increased irritation and damage to the eye’s surface.
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Promising results in mice
In the new study, published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, researchers tested the compound NEt-3IB as eye drops in mice.
The results showed that the treatment reduced inflammation and protected the surface of the eye.
Researchers also found that the treatment caused a smaller increase in eye pressure than some of the steroid treatments currently in use. This could make the therapy safer for long-term use.
However, the researchers emphasized that human trials are still needed before the treatment can be widely used.
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Sources: News-Medical and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
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