methylcellulose and Xerophthalmia

Patients with clinically well defined keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) participated in two trials of hypo-osmolar tear substitutes. The trials were double masked, single crossover studies with computer generated random order allocation and were conducted by postal questionnaire. In the first trial a hypo-osmolar formulation using polyvinylpyrrolidone and hydroxyethyl cellulose was compared with the patients' usual treatment (BJ6 or hypromellose) and found to be inferior, especially in respect of blurring and stickiness caused by higher viscosity. In the second trial hypo-osmolar preparations of BJ6 and hypromellose were compared with their iso-osmolar equivalents and found not to be significantly different in their effects. Hypo-osmolarity alone does not seem to guarantee relief of symptoms in KCS. Other factors including viscosity and colloid osmotic pressure may be more significant.

Topics: Cellulose; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Hypotonic Solutions; Hypromellose Derivatives; Keratoconjunctivitis; Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Ophthalmic Solutions; Osmolar Concentration; Povidone; Xerophthalmia

The slow-releasing artificial tear (SR-AT) is a soluble polymer in solid form. Placed in the inferior cul-de-sac and allowed to dissolve, it is used to treat dry-eye patients. The SR-AT was studied in two phases. The short-term cross-over study of 40 patients was completed in October 1976. The long-term open study is still in progress. Of 37 patients who started the long-term study, 18 are still using the inserts-a study retention of 49%.

Topics: Cellulose; Child; Delayed-Action Preparations; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Sjogren's Syndrome; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Xerophthalmia

Sjögren's syndrome is a complex disease state with multisystem manifestations. Two forms of the disease, primary and secondary, are recognized; the secondary form is more easily diagnosed because of its association with an already established rheumatic or autoimmune disease. Treatment consists of measures to prevent damage from ocular and oral dryness (sicca complex) and to minimize systemic manifestations.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Biopsy; Female; Humans; Male; Methylcellulose; Prednisone; Salivary Glands; Sjogren's Syndrome; Xerophthalmia; Xerostomia

Topics: Gelatin; Humans; Humidity; Lipids; Methylcellulose; Osmolar Concentration; Tears; Xerophthalmia

Fourteen patients with dry eye signs and symptoms were treated with a cellulosic ophthalmic insert and conventional artificial tear drops in a cross-over study. Each subject rated symptoms before the study and after each treatment period. At the conclusion of the study, subjects chose which of the two treatments they preferred. Thirteen people preferred the artificial tear drops, and more symptoms were alleviated by them. Tear breakup time was not significantly changed by either treatment. The insert was not well received due to subjective blurring of vision and ocular irritation. Other studies have shown patient preference for the insert, but this may be due to patient selection.

Topics: Adult; Delayed-Action Preparations; Female; Humans; Hypromellose Derivatives; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Ophthalmic Solutions; Xerophthalmia

Pancreatitis had been erroneously diagnosed in a 50-year-old female patient with primary sicca syndrome with chronic salivary-gland-caused increase of amylase of 5 years' standing. Differentiation of amylase into isoenzymes showed clearly increased salivary amylase with normal pancreatic amylase. Little is known on the increase of amylase in Sjögren's syndrome. Unresolved increase of amylase of non-pancreatic origin should thus also lead to consideration of sicca syndrome.

Topics: Amylases; Antacids; Female; Gastritis; Histamine H2 Antagonists; Humans; Isoenzymes; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Salivary Glands; Sjogren's Syndrome; Xerophthalmia

Topics: Adult; Aged; Delayed-Action Preparations; Female; Humans; Hypromellose Derivatives; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Sjogren's Syndrome; Xerophthalmia

Topics: Humans; Methylcellulose; Xerophthalmia

The slow-release artificial tear (SRAT) is a biodegradable, cellulosic polymer without preservative which is inserted beneath the tarsus of the lower lid, and which provides continuous lubrication and tear film stability to the eye. The SR-AT has been shown to reduce both subjective symptoms and objective signs in patients with keratitis sicca, and is a valuable adjunct to therapy in patients with this disease.

Topics: Cellulose; Delayed-Action Preparations; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis; Methylcellulose; Ophthalmic Solutions; Xerophthalmia

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Chloramphenicol; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis; Lacrimal Apparatus; Methylcellulose; Mucus; Ophthalmic Solutions; Prednisolone; Staphylococcal Infections; Xerophthalmia