Contact lens wearers and dry eye symptoms: Ocular surface conditioning with Thealoz Duo

Purpose Contact lens use is associated with dry eye symptoms in approximately 50% of patients and can lead to discontinuation of their use. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a combination of hyaluronic acid/trehalose eye drops on signs and symptoms of dry eye in contact lens wearers. Patient and care provider satisfaction were also evaluated Methods Prospective, non‐controlled, pilot treatment trial was carried out in contact lens wearers with pre‐enrolement OSDI scores over 18. Following a week long washout period with sodium chloride eye drops 33 patients with contact lens related dry eye symptoms were recruited to receive 4 daily drops of a hyaluronic acid/trehalose eye drop for 12 weeks. TBUT, corneal and conjunctival staining, meniscus height and symptom questionnaires OSDI, DEFC and CLDEQ‐8 were performed at baseline, 5 weeks and 12 weeks. Results Treatment with hyaluronic acid/trehalose improved dry eye symptoms significantly as evidenced in reduction of questionnaire scores. Signs of dry eye improved most significantly for corneal fluorescein staining. Conclusions Hyaluronic acid/trehalose eye drops reduce the signs and symptoms of dry eye in contact lens wearers and are safe to use.