Efficacy and safety of 0.3% carbomer gel compared to placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: Carbomer gel is a water-soluble polymeric resin that has been reported to maintain the tear film in contact with the eye for an extended period. The efficacy and safety of this new artificial tear were assessed. Methods: A multicenter, single-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study was carried out on 123 patients with moderate-to-severe dry eyes. The placebo was a mannitol solution with benzalkonium chloride 0.008% as preservative. Patients were observed over an 8-week period, and subjective and objective changes analyzed, compared to a baseline of no therapy, after 1 to 7 days washout period from previous medication. Results: All primary subjective symptoms decreased significa..