Evaluation of retinoic acid ophthalmic emulsion in dry eye

PURPOSE. An oil in wafer emulsion of 0.01% all-trans-retinoic acid (tretino in) was prepared and clinically evaluated in dry eye patients. METHODS. The ophthalmic emulsion consisted of 10% of arachis oil and 90% of the hydro gel of Carbopol 940. To evaluate retinoic acid emulsion clinical ly, a placebo-controlled, open-labeled, randomized study was performed with 22 dry-eye patients. Symptoms were recorded before and after the treatment s. The Schirmer I test, measurement of tear film break-up time (BUT), rose Bengal and fluorescein staining of cornea and conjunctiva, and mucus fern t est were done. RESULTS. Retinoic acid did not improve the dryness, photophobia and foreign body sensation more than placebo. Schirmer test and BUT were significantly improved by retinoic acid treatment. Corneal and conjunctival epithelium m aintained their characteristics during the use of retinoic acid, as indicat ed by rose Bengal and fluorescein staining. CONCLUSIONS. Ophthalmic emulsion of retinoic acid can be suggested as a pro mising approach for the treatment of dry eye.