Introduction

Arabinogalactan, a polysaccharide has certain properties making it suitable for effective treatment of dry eye disease (DED). Hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan has been used extensively in artificial tear formulation due to its efficacy for dry eye treatment. Trehalose, a disaccharide is yet another molecule, which renders protection against drying and dehydration.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy, adherence, and tolerability of a new artificial tear consisting of arabinogalactan, hyaluronic acid, and trehalose in patients with DED.

Patient Profile

• Adult patients (aged 18–80 years) with signs and symptoms of dry eye (n=96).

Methods

Study Design

• A real-world, retrospective, post-marketing study conducted in Spain and Portugal.

Treatment Strategy

• The study subjects received fixed combination therapy with eye drops containing arabinogalactan, hyaluronic acid, and trehalose.
• The prescribed dosage was one to two drops per day, the dose was increased as per the patient’s needs.
• The treatment duration ranged from 2 to 3 months.

Assessments

• The study subjects were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after a follow-up period of two–three months (T1).
• The study subjects were evaluated using a patient-reported questionnaire to assess treatment outcomes including duration of comfort sensation, improvement in various signs and symptoms, and impact on patient’s quality of life (QOL).

Results

• Most of the patients were treated with three drops per eye per day, 40% of the patients received continuous treatment for more than 3 months. A positive response for the therapy was recorded for 98% patients.
• In response to the questionnaire, a substantial proportion of the study subjects reported improvement in vision, comfort, redness, itching, photophobia, and tearing (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1: Improvement in various parameters during the study

• Resolution of symptoms was associated with significant improvement in patient’s QOL.

Conclusion

• According to the findings of this real-world study, treatment with a fixed combination of arabinogalactan, hyaluronic acid, and trehalose resulted in clinical improvement of signs and symptoms in patients with dry eye disease.

Clinical Ophthalmology 2025:19 83–91.