[Reduction of corneal permeability in patients treated with HP-guar: a fluorophotometric study].

INTRODUCTION The incidence of dry eye disease, which mainly affects the corneal epithelium, is rising. The main treatment is still the use of artificial tears capable of improving the humidification and lubrication of the corneal epithelium, and avoiding its progressive functional failure. HP-Guar is a new compound used for this purpose. METHODS We performed a prospective, masked and paired study on the left eye of 10 patients suffering from dry eye disease. Corneal permeability measurements were performed by fluorophotometry after instilling 40 microL of a solution of 2% sodium fluorescein, before and after treatment with the HP-Guar drops. The results were analysed using Wilcoxon test for paired data. RESULTS A mean decrease in corneal permeability of 45%, after the use of HP-Guar drops was found (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS HP-Guar provides a new therapeutic option significantly decreasing corneal epithelial permeability.