Effect of systane and optive on aqueous tear evaporation in patients with dry eye disease

Objective: To compare the effect on aqueous tear (AT) evaporation rate of Systane and Optive at 30 min postinstillation in patients with dry eye. Methods: In a crossover study of 20 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, the evaporation rate of AT was measured. Evaporometry was used at two relative humidity (RH) ranges of 25% to 35% and 35% to 45%. The measurements were made at baseline (before the instillation of the study agent) and at 30 min after the instillation of 40 μL of either Systane or Optive per randomization assignment per visit with a 1-week interval between visits. Results: No significant effects on AT evaporation rates at both RHs were found between study agents. Conclusions: In our study, neither Systane nor Optive has a significant impact on AT evaporation at 30 min postinstillation in patients with dry eye.