A number of recent studies funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) are exploring novel therapies for dry eye, including a synthetic form of lacritin, implantable devices, and oral omega-3 fatty acids.
Over at the University of Virginia, researchers are reportedly testing a synthetic form of lacritin in clinical trials. According to researchers, studies show that deficient lacritin levels disrupt homeostasis, and animal studies have confirmed a single dose of lacritin elevates basal tearing. The clinical trial is reportedly investigating the use of synthetic lacritin in people with dry eye associated with Sjögren’s syndrom.
At Weill Cornell Medical College, a research team is exploring factors that influence the ability of corneal nerves to sense basal tear evaporation. Scientists are reportedly developing topical corneal nerve stimulators to increase nerve sensitivity to drying.
Researchers at Stanford University have reportedly developed an implantable device that electrically stimulates the lacrimal gland to produce tears, and stimulates the nerves linking the brain and sensory neurons in eye, further prompting the lacrimal gland to produce tears.
A research team at the University of California, Los Angeles, is reportedly studying the structure and function of lipid binding proteins in tears, which could help lead to therapies that reduce tear evaporation.
And an NEI-funded study at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is reportedly investigating the benefits of taking oral omega-3 fatty acids for dry eye. The NEI-funded clinical trial, Dry Eye Assessment and Management Study (DREAM), is reportedly the first large, independent, multisite investigation of omega-3s for dry eye.
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Source: National Eye Institute