(P01-017-24) New Clinical Evidence Confirms the Benefits of Macular Carotenoids, Curcuminoids and Vitamin D3 for Dry Eyes

Objectives: Dry eye is multifactorial and characterized by inadequate eye hydration, inflammation, and ocular surface discomfort. It is widely prevalent and cited as one of the most common reasons for visiting an eye doctor yet, treatment options are unsatisfactory. Nutritional therapy may help as a first line therapy for its management. Given the role of oxidative stress in mediating dry eye issues, we conducted a human study to confirm the efficacy of a unique antioxidant-based formula which comprised 24 mg macular carotenoids, 200 mg curcuminoids, and 600 IU vitamin D3 (Nutritears^TM).

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center study. It included one hundred and sixteen healthy adults who met the relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria as per clinical guidelines for dry eye syndrome. Subjects received Nutritears^TM or placebo over a 56-day study period. The study outcomes were focused on clinical markers of dry eye syndrome including tear volume, tear film stability and tear osmolarity using validated methodologies. Severity and progression of dry eye symptoms was evaluated using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness Questionnaire (SPEED) questionnaires. Ocular surface health was measured using corneal and conjunctival staining and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the tears.

Results: Nutritears^TM supplementation significantly increased tear volume and tear film stability and reduced tear osmolarity over the course of the study, with significant differences measured for tear volume and tear break-up time by days14 and day 28, respectively. Corneal and conjunctival staining and tear levels of MMP- 9 were significantly reduced supporting the role of Nutritears^TM in influencing aspects of ocular surface integrity and inflammation. Measures of dry eye discomfort revealed that Nutritears^TM was able to reduce discomfort within two weeks.

Conclusions: The combination of bioactive components, lutein, zeaxanthin isomers, curcuminoids, and vitamin D3, well-known for their role in eye health, demonstrated clinically meaningful benefits for the management of dry eye symptoms vs. placebo. The benefits for eye hydration and reduced dry eye discomfort were observed within two weeks of supplementation and sustained through the study.

Funding Sources: OmniActive Health Technologies