Povidone-iodine eye drops possible dry eye therapy

A study recently published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that 0.6% povidone-iodine (PVI) drops helped relieve symptoms of dry eye in patients suffering from damaged ocular surfaces.

The observational, single-center study included 20 patients who received the drops twice a day for 28 days to treat their dry eye disease. Age range was between 18 and 80 with an average age of 61. No control group was used.

Patients in the study recorded their symptoms by answering an Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. Symptoms that were analyzed (as well as their severity) included burning, dryness, tearing, photophobia, foreign body sensation among others.

Patients reported a reduction in symptoms after the 28 days of treatment. Only a mild burning sensation that lasted a few minutes and then completely disappeared after 3 days of treatment was reported by the patients. 

Further study of the PVI solution as a possible complementary treatment were recommended.