OCULAR DISCOMFORT IN PROFESSIONAL POLO-WATER PLAYERS: A PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH TOPICAL HYALURONIC ACID AND GLYCURONATE ENOXOLONE

Abstract

Aims: Professional polo-water athletes are exposed to chlorine in the swimming pool. Chlorine is an irritant agent, so polo-water athletes commonly experience irritative eye symptoms. Hyaluronic acid and glycuronate enoxolone exert anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activity. Therefore, the present practical experience explored the efficacy and safety of eye drops containing both components. Material and Methods: The current study included 59 professional polo-water athletes. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and dry eye-related quality of life (QoL) score (DEQS) questionnaires were used to assess the efficacy. Subjects took the eye drops for one month. The study consisted of a baseline visit (T0) and an end-treatment one (T1). Results: Athletes experienced a significant improvement in symptoms and QoL as assessed by OSDI and DEQS scores (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: The present study showed that professional polo-water athletes frequently experience ocular discomfort associated with swimming pool attendance. Eye drops with hyaluronic acid and glycuronate enoxolone can significantly relieve eye symptoms and improve the quality of life in these athletes.