Early results on the use of chitosan-N-acetylcysteine (Lacrimera ® ) in the management of dry eye disease of varied etiology

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of once daily administration of chitosan-N-acetylcysteine (Lacrimera ® ) in the management of dry eye disease (DED). Methods: Eighteen patients (3 male, 15 female) aged 25–86 years (mean 61.1) and suffering from moderate to severe DED with superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) were retrospectively evaluated after a trial of Lacrimera ® drops (1 drop in the morning for 5 days only). All the patients were using other artificial tears before the treatment. All lubricants were stopped, and Lacrimera ® was started instead. Slit-lamp examination and images were taken before and at 1 and 3 weeks follow-up after the treatment. The subjective (Ocular Surface Disease Index, OSDI) and objective (Oxford Grading System, OGS) evaluation was recorded. A paired student’s t test was performed to analyse the data. Results: At baseline, the SPK grade was I to IV (OGS) and the OSDI ranged from 25 to 71.4. Fifteen patients showed a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) improvement in OGS and the OSDI at 3 weeks post-treatment. Three patients showed no improvement. Conclusions: A single-dose instillation of chitosan-N-acetylcysteine for five consecutive days improved signs and symptoms in patients affected from DED from a variety of causes, who were refractory to standard treatment with lubricants. Given its posology, the absence of side effects and the results obtained Lacrimera ® should be taken into consideration as a viable option in patients with moderate to severe DED.